FAST Labs™ is a world-class research and microelectronics production organization. Our vision, we secure the future through fearless innovation, fuels our curiosity, and propels our teams to take on 'never been done before' challenges. We believe how we work is just as important as what we work on, and we are guided by three key principles: We are one team who embraces the power of learning and collaboration; We innovate for impact; and Our innovation is multidimensional.
Sitting at the heart of BAE Systems Electronic Systems (ES), FAST Labs provides the next generation of technology across ES's defense and commercial portfolios. We seek to turn groundbreaking research and partnerships into real-life impact for our customers, as we develop advanced capabilities in advanced electronics, EW, sensors and processing, AI, autonomy, RF, EO/IR, cyber, and more. We value internal and external partnerships and collaborate across a broad innovation ecosystem that includes DoW and research teams, universities, small businesses, and venture firms/accelerators - all in service of developing advanced technologies to enable our nation's warfighting mission needs.
The BAE Systems FAST Labs™ Sensor Technologies (ST) product line develops next-generation lasers, precision optical pointers, advanced seekers, and expendables. ST has established itself as a market leader in the development of EO/IR and RF technologies.
The Sensor Technology group is seeking a mid-level/senior Technology Development Manager (TDM) to provide technical and programmatic leadership on our research and development projects; defining, capturing and executing research and development programs focusing on advanced RF sensor capabilities primarily focused on Multi-Function RF EW. Other areas of interest include Tactical Communications, Radar and related precision guidance functions.
Technology Development Managers are expected to grow to become experts whose technical expertise and ability to manage technology development programs is sought out by our customers. TDMs use their position, reputation, and technical expertise to create research programs that advance technology for purposes of providing discriminating capabilities for BAE Systems. TDMs focus on 1) leadership of research programs as the principal investigator or as the program manager; 2) the capture of new business opportunities as the technical or programmatic lead, which includes leading customer shaping and interactions for new business opportunities; 3) guiding the strategic planning of technology to coordinate investments, captures, and program execution towards overall BAE Systems business objectives; and 4) managing the execution of significant technology development programs that are being readied for transition.
This position is based out of our Merrimack, NH facility. This position will require virtual and in-person collaboration with customers and staff across BAE Systems ES Facilities. Because of the need for consistent, in-person collaboration and/or the requirement to perform all work onsite due to the nature of this particular role, it will be performed full-time on site. This means work will be conducted on location at a BAE Systems facility. Limited remote work may be a possibility at the discretion of the business.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- BS in Physics, Optics, Electro-Optics, Electrical Engineering (EE), or equivalent with 10+ years of experience working with complex EO/IR systems; or MS with 8+ years of experience; or Ph.D. with 6+ years of experience in the areas defined above
- Active DoW Secret clearance and ability to obtain a DoW Top Secret clearance
- Extensive experience in the development and test of RF EW capabilities
- Demonstrated experience capturing Science and Technology R&D programs
- 3+ years of program capture and management experience in 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 research and development programs
- Relevant experience with development/writing of technical inputs to whitepapers, requests for information (RFI) and requests for proposals (RFP)
- Strong familiarity with modelling, simulation and analysis (MS&A) of RF sensor system performance
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills including interaction and briefing across engineering, customer base and business leadership audiences
- Comfortable with a fast-paced and collaborative development environment
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Active Top Secret Clearance
- New product or technology development experience
- Experience with concept development, associated system design trade studies and/or operational analysis
- R&D capture lead or proposal lead experience for U.S. Government programs
- Experience with development and field test of small form-factor multi-function multi-modal (e.g. RF/EO/IR) sensors for military applications and/or guided weapons systems
- Experience with signal processing techniques and/or control algorithms for applicable sensor systems
- Experience with two or more U.S. Government Science & Technology (S&T) development organizations
- Experience with U.S. DoW missions and operational architecture integration of small form-factor sensor or tactical communications systems onto platforms or weapons
- Cost account management experience
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $149603 - $254317
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 a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
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.
Skills Required
- BS in Physics, Optics, Electro-Optics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, with 10+ years of experience working with complex EO/IR systems; or MS with 8+ years; or Ph.D. with 6+ years
- Active Department of War Secret clearance and ability to obtain a Department of War Top Secret clearance
- Extensive experience developing and testing RF electronic warfare capabilities
- Demonstrated experience capturing Science and Technology research and development programs
- 3+ years of program capture and management experience in 6.1, 6.2, or 6.3 research and development programs
- Experience developing and writing technical inputs for whitepapers, requests for information, and requests for proposals
- Strong familiarity with modeling, simulation, and analysis of RF sensor system performance
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including briefing engineering, customer, and business leadership audiences
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and collaborative development environment
- Active Top Secret clearance
- New product or technology development experience
- Experience with concept development, system design trade studies, or operational analysis
- R&D capture lead or proposal lead experience for U.S. Government programs
- Experience developing and field-testing small-form-factor multifunction, multimodal RF/EO/IR sensors for military applications or guided weapons systems
- Experience with signal processing techniques or control algorithms for applicable sensor systems
- Experience with two or more U.S. Government Science and Technology development organizations
- Experience integrating small-form-factor sensors or tactical communications systems onto platforms or weapons within U.S. Department of War missions and operational architectures
- Cost account management experience
BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage is presented as comprehensive, paired with an EAP, fertility and transgender care options, and HSA‑compatible plans that can include employer contributions with coverage starting on day one in some cases. These resources are reinforced by wellness tools and immediate eligibility noted on official benefits materials.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) savings plan is broadly available, with employer matching and other contributions that vary by business unit, and some U.S. employee groups retain pension arrangements. Company‑paid basic life insurance equal to 2x base salary (up to $1M) further strengthens financial security.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave (e.g., 160 hours for full‑time employees) sits alongside adoption and surrogacy reimbursement and Bright Horizons backup child and elder care. These benefits help reduce care gaps and complement PTO and applicable state programs.
BAE Systems, Inc. Insights
What We Do
Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do. As a leading aerospace, defense, and security company, we work together to deliver a full range of products and services for air, land, space, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. How we work is rooted in purpose – a purpose to protect those who protect us, to unite our community of colleagues and customers, and to drive forward the growth and development of our exceptional team members. It's where purpose connects.
Why Work With Us
We believe your career should be filled with innovation and discovery. And that's exactly what you'll find at BAE Systems. As you work to develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills and expand knowledge. On a sharp and collaborative team, you will be challenged – and supported – at every turn.
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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
As the work place continues to evolve, so do we. Remote and hybrid opportunities are available at BAE Systems depending on the nature of the role. Check your job requisition to learn more.








