FAST Labs - Optical Systems Senior Principal Scientist

Job Description
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. Within ST, the Electro-Optic Sensing Solutions technology area focus on cutting-edge Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, lasers, and sensing systems to meet our customers' emerging mission needs. EOSS is seeking an experienced Scientist / R&D Systems Engineer to join our team. In this role you will be a technical individual contributor with opportunities to grow into a team lead responsible for developing and demonstrating next-generation EO/IR sensors, systems, and techniques. Projects range from initial concept development through full system demonstration in relevant environments.
Specific job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Model, analyze, and test EO/IR systems and components for a variety of military/commercial applications.
• Execute and analyze EO/IR laboratory and field experiments.
• Develop and demonstrate advanced algorithms, measurement techniques, and systems prototypes.
• Lead small interdisciplinary teams to meet program technical and schedule goals.
• Develop proposals for novel technologies, algorithms, or systems.

This position reports within the Electro-Optic Sensing Technology Group and 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 100% of the time.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Typically a BS in Electrical Engineering (EE), Physics, Optics, Electro-Optics or equivalent with 6+ years of experience working with complex EO/IR systems; or MS in EE, Physics, Optics, Electro-Optics or equivalent with 4+ years of experience working with complex EO/IR systems.
• Active Secret clearance and ability to obtain DoW Top Secret / SCI clearance.
• Experience supporting Optical, Laser, and Infrared technology.
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams consisting of mechanical, electrical, optical, software and systems engineers.
• Experience working independently and interacting effectively with project management to achieve project goals.
• In-depth knowledge of one or more optical system specialties; i.e. lasers, precision pointing of laser beams, design of pointing systems, performance testing of optical components and subsystems, atmospheric correction, optical communications, etc.
• Expertise in at least one optical application including infrared countermeasures, passive detection and tracking, LIDAR, coherent LIDAR, remote sensing, or laser communications.
• Experience implementing systems engineering practices and working knowledge of DoW product development lifecycle.
• Modeling and simulation expertise in at least one common language (i.e. MATLAB, Mathcad, Mathematica, Python, C++, etc.).
• Demonstrated history of proposals, project capture, and customer interaction

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering (EE), Physics, Optics, Electro-Optics or equivalent
• 8+ years of experience working with complex EO/IR systems
• Experience working on DoW contracts
• Experience supporting Optical, Laser and Infrared Technology
• Active Top Secret security clearance

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035
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, Inc.
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.