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Leadership Development Program Associate Jobs in San Diego, CA

Ensure technical leadership and excellence is maintained by directing and participating in the ... Identify program issues and provide leadership in developing solutions such as re-allocation of ...

Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills * Willingness to relocate annually ... associates through our comprehensive Total Rewards program. We are committed to attracting and ...

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Leadership Development Program Associate information

See San Diego, CA salary details

$26.5K

$55.6K

$96.1K

How much do leadership development program associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for leadership development program associate in San Diego, CA is $55,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $63,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a leadership development program associate?

A Leadership Development Program Associate is an early-career professional who participates in a structured program designed to develop future leaders within an organization. These programs typically rotate associates through various departments, providing exposure to different aspects of the business while building critical leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. The goal is to prepare associates for management or specialized leadership roles by offering mentorship, training, and hands-on experience. Leadership Development Programs are popular in large corporations and often target recent graduates or individuals with high leadership potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a leadership development program associate?

To thrive as a Leadership Development Program Associate, you generally need a bachelor's degree in business, human resources, or a related field, along with foundational knowledge in leadership principles and organizational development. Familiarity with assessment tools, learning management systems (LMS), and data analysis platforms like Excel or Tableau is commonly expected. Strong interpersonal communication, adaptability, and teamwork skills set candidates apart in supporting and leading cross-functional initiatives. These competencies are vital for effectively identifying talent, driving development programs, and fostering future organizational leaders.

What types of projects or rotations can I expect as a leadership development program associate?

As a Leadership Development Program Associate, you’ll typically rotate through a variety of departments such as operations, finance, marketing, and human resources. Each rotation is designed to give you hands-on experience with key business functions and allow you to develop a broad understanding of the organization. You may be assigned to lead or contribute to strategic initiatives, process improvements, or cross-functional teams, often working closely with senior leaders and mentors. This structure not only accelerates your learning curve but also helps you build a strong internal network, which is valuable for future leadership roles.

What is the difference between Leadership Development Program Associate vs Management Trainee?

AspectLeadership Development Program AssociateManagement Trainee
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, relevant internshipsBachelor's degree, often recent graduates
Work EnvironmentCorporate training programs, rotational assignmentsStructured training, rotational roles in various departments
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in consulting, finance, FMCGCommon in manufacturing, retail, banking
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding early career development rolesExploring management training opportunities

The Leadership Development Program Associate and Management Trainee roles are both entry-level positions designed to develop future leaders. While both require a bachelor's degree and involve rotational training, the Leadership Development Program Associate typically focuses on leadership skills within corporate programs, whereas Management Trainees often undergo broader management training across departments. The choice depends on your career focus—specialized leadership development or general management training.

What are the most commonly searched types of Leadership Development Program jobs in San Diego, CA?

The most popular types of Leadership Development Program jobs in San Diego, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Leadership Development Program Associate jobs in San Diego, CA?

For Leadership Development Program Associate jobs in San Diego, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Leadership Development Program Associate jobs in San Diego, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Leadership Development Program Associate jobs in San Diego, CA are:

What cities near San Diego, CA are hiring for Leadership Development Program Associate jobs?

Cities near San Diego, CA with the most Leadership Development Program Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Leadership Development Program Associate job openings in San Diego, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,591 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Quality Leadership Development Program (Hybrid)

BAE Systems

San Diego, CA

$31.21 - $53.06/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Description

How does it feel to work on a team driven to make a big impact? Empowering. We believe your career should always be growing. And that's exactly what it will do at BAE Systems as part of our Leadership Development Program (LDP). The LDP is designed to accelerate the development and career of highly-motivated entry level talent who aspire to achieve their leadership potential. This is accomplished through challenging and rewarding rotational assignments, technical and leadership training, advanced education, leadership opportunities and exposure, and mentorship. You'll hit the ground running with a company truly committed to your growth as you enjoy a special camaraderie on a team dedicated to protecting what really matters.

The Quality Leadership Development Program (QLDP) is a three-year rotational program designed to develop high potential, entry-level individuals into future leaders in Quality Engineering. You'll have the opportunity to experience assignments in several operational functions, business areas, and product groups nationwide. QLDP participants are also exposed to a variety of networking opportunities and strategic project initiatives across the sector.

The QLDP consists of three, one-year, rotations; each with increasing responsibility. It is designed to provide a diverse set of experiences within Quality Engineering and related disciplines.

Candidates should display an interest in undertaking rotations in the following areas:

  • Program Quality Engineering
  • Manufacturing Product Assurance
  • Supplier Quality Assurance
  • Quality Management
  • Performance Analysis

Participants input is included in the choice of their 2nd and 3rd rotational assignments and/or geographic location.

In addition to the functional rotations, members of the QLDP participate in the following opportunities:

  • Lean Six Sigma: Participants are required to pursue an internally sponsored Green Belt project and receive certification. Upon receiving Green Belt certification, participants can pursue their Black Belt.
  • Monthly Trainings: The QLDP provides participants with a monthly training curriculum to develop technical and leadership skills.
  • Personal growth: The program seeks to facilitate the growth of an individual's leadership skills through an annual, week-long leadership development conference (LDC). This conference provides personalized leadership training as well as an opportunity to network with senior BAE Systems executives and other leadership development program participants across the company.
  • Mentorship: A mentor is assigned to each QLDP participant to expose them to diverse and challenging experiences, while providing guidance in choosing rotations, career development, and post-program placement.
  • Education: Participants are strongly encouraged to complete a graduate degree on a part-time basis. The school and specific technical degree is left up to the candidate, providing it is applicable to the business. BAE Systems provides tuition assistance for this degree.
  • Opportunity to travel: BAE Systems has locations worldwide with our QLDP members primarily rotating to locations within the United States. Your first rotation will be at one of our major locations: Nashua, NH; Austin, TX; San Diego, CA; Wayne, NJ; Huntsville, AL; Endicott, NY; Greenlawn, NY; Manassas, VA. These assignments can change based on business need. Your second and third rotations may be at any of our locations nationwide.

All candidates must be able to:

  • Relocate during the rotational program
  • Start at one of our major locations: Nashua, NH; Austin, TX; San Diego, CA; Wayne, NJ; Huntsville, AL; Endicott, NY; Greenlawn, NY; Manassas, VA
  • Obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

  • This position is open to applicants with varying levels of experience: To be considered for a QLDP I, you must have at least a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Systems, Electrical, Quality Management, or other technical field). To be considered for a QLDP II, you must have a Master's degree.
  • Internship/Co-Op or project experience in related field
  • Demonstrated teamwork and leadership abilities in academic pursuits
  • Participation in a variety of extracurricular activities

All candidates must be able to:

  • Relocate during the rotational program
  • Start at one of our major locations: Nashua, NH; Austin, TX; San Diego, CA; Wayne, NJ; Huntsville, AL; Endicott, NY; Greenlawn, NY; Manassas, VA
  • Obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

  • Superior communication skills
  • Capacity and motivation for hard work
  • Knowledge of Quality Management Systems
  • Familiarity with Lean and Six Sigma practices
  • Experience in defense electronics industry

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $64926 - $110374

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About BAE Systems Electronic Systems

BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact - for our customers and the communities we serve.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.


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About BAE Systems

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At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

Industry

National security and international affairs and it services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US