FAST Labs - R3 Product Line Director

Reposted 6 Days Ago
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Merrimack, NH, USA
Hybrid
200K-340K Annually
Expert/Leader
Aerospace • Hardware • Information Technology • Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Where purpose connects.
The Role
Lead the R3 Product Line to develop and transition advanced RF, EW, software, cyber, and sensor technologies. Drive strategy, business development, customer relationships, program execution, financial planning, talent development, and cross-organizational technology transition across multiple sites.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Description
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 defines the next generation of technology across ES's defense and commercial portfolios. We seek to turn groundbreaking research into real-life impact for our customers, as we develop advanced capabilities in advanced electronics, 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 government labs 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. Transitioning our technologies and capabilities into ES products or adjacent business opportunities is a prime objective for our team as we seek to drive impact for our company and our customers to rapidly field new capability.
The R3 Product Line Director (PLD) will lead a strategic technology portfolio within the FAST Labs Business Area in the BAE Systems Electronic Systems Sector, reporting directly to the Vice President General Manager of FAST Labs. The R3 Product Line performs cutting-edge research in advanced RF systems, new revolutionary EW architectures, and advanced software techniques that span EW, Comms, and Cyber applications. R3 also performs a unique system-level role. Working closely with customers, R3 teams integrate diverse cutting-edge technologies into even greater capabilities. This is heavily informed by opportunities to conduct testing in realistic, challenging environments and even supporting the fielding of quick reaction operational capabilities. To support getting capability to the warfighter as fast as possible, R3 is also leading the development of new business models in line with DoW acquisition reform, such as commercial models for delivering adaptive hardware and software.
The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a very talented cross-functional R3 workforce to achieve business success via strategy development and portfolio execution. The R3 Product Line is accountable to capture or identify, create, and deliver discriminating technology and effective customer relations, both external and internal to BAE Systems. The PLD will take an active role in the development of new business opportunities in technology creation, maturation, and product transition related to R3 technologies and capabilities. The R3 PLD will also have financial planning and investment prioritization responsibilities in a very dynamic environment spanning multiple locations, primarily in Merrimack, NH and Arlington, VA. Specific job responsibilities include the following:
  • Lead the R3 organization to accomplish the mission and strategy.
  • Lead R3 by modeling behavior aligned with our BAE Systems corporate culture and principles.
  • Drive energetic pursuit of new business opportunities aligned with the R3 Product Line.
  • Lead R3 in management of key customer relationships, building and maintaining trust.
  • Maintain and grow the R3 mission-centric culture, leveraging in-the-field test and integration opportunities on existing programs and working with FAST Labs mission campaign teams to develop rapid technology transition and scaling opportunities.
  • Provide leadership oversight and active engagement in the preparation of technical, management, and cost proposals.
  • Make bid decisions in accordance with the FAST Labs delegated authorities and prioritize new business resources across R3 technical areas.
  • Maintain cognizance of corporate capabilities and stimulate new business opportunities through R3 technology for other BAE Systems Product Lines.
  • Ensure execution excellence of all R3 programs.
  • Coordinate efforts across multiple projects, within and outside of the product line. Pursue follow-on business opportunities. Support cross Product Line and Business Area programs to optimize market opportunities.
  • Proactively engage with BAE Systems Business Areas to facilitate transition of R3 technology to BAE Systems products.
  • Work with the R3 leadership team to actively manage the most valuable resource we have within the organization: our human capital, to include activities related to recruiting top talent, employee development, employee sponsorship/mentorship, employee engagement and succession planning within the group.

** Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires US citizenship status and eligibility to obtain a US Top Secret security clearance. **
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
The Product Line Director candidate shall have demonstrated or obtained the following education, experience and skills:
  • Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer science, operations research, mathematics, physics, or related discipline with 15 + years of technical and management experience in Research and Development for the Defense and/or Intelligence markets
  • Active DoW Top Secret clearance
  • Eligible for SCI and SAP
  • Proven ability to lead a diverse organization across multiple geographic business sites
  • Proven capability to lead a large organization through complex culture change
  • Strong business acumen and presence at the leadership level
  • Business and technical leadership, management, and decision making in technology development efforts
  • Experience with developing new business models, especially based upon commercial models
  • Strong problem solving: Requires employment of conceptual and innovative thinking
  • Ability to think strategically and formulate strategic vision, strategies, and implement actions to achieve goals in a changing environment
  • Strong customer focus and demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with highly technical, complex customers
  • Highly tuned interpersonal skills: Skilled communicator who influences and shapes the behavior and performance of a complex Business Unit/Sector
  • Strong Negotiation Skills: Negotiates internally and externally at high levels or with persons of influence frequently
  • Ability to communicate at all levels within the customer community and the corporate community
  • Business development mindset with in-depth experience in the development of growth strategies, especially within the Research & Development community
  • Proven ability to share and transfer technology and know-how across organizational boundaries
  • Domain expertise in one or more of the following areas: RF Electronic Warfare, Optical Electronic Warfare, advanced RF hardware, advanced software, cyber
  • Competent in talent management and development, performance management, mentoring, coaching, and team communications.
  • Ability to achieve results through others. Demonstrated ability to develop leaders in an organization.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
  • Ph.D. degree with 11+ years of experience or Master's degree with 13+ years of experience in technical and management experience in Research and Development for the Defense and/or Intelligence markets
  • Passion to deliver Electronic Systems Defense and Commercial Missions: 'We Protect Those Who Protect Us' and 'We Innovate For Those Who Move the World'
  • Active Top Secret and SCI clearance
  • Deep knowledge of key customer organizations and missions
  • Proven breadth of business leadership from technology seedling and maturation through product development; from conception through deployment
  • Experience with, and understanding of, functional matrix organizations
  • Experience operating within ES (or similar) business areas, involved in technology transition planning and technology insertion into BA product roadmaps

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $200222 - $340378
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.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in EE, aerospace, CS, operations research, mathematics, physics, or related discipline with 15+ years technical and management R&D experience in Defense/Intelligence
  • Active DoD Top Secret clearance
  • Eligibility for SCI and SAP access
  • Proven ability to lead a diverse organization across multiple geographic business sites
  • Proven capability to lead a large organization through complex culture change
  • Strong business acumen and executive presence
  • Business and technical leadership, management, and decision making in technology development efforts
  • Experience developing new business models, including commercial models for defense/DoD acquisition reform
  • Strong problem solving, conceptual and innovative thinking
  • Strategic thinking and ability to formulate and implement vision and strategies in a changing environment
  • Strong customer focus with ability to build and manage relationships with highly technical, complex customers
  • Highly tuned interpersonal, communication, influence, and negotiation skills at senior levels
  • Business development mindset with in-depth experience developing growth strategies within R&D
  • Proven ability to transfer technology and know-how across organizational boundaries
  • Domain expertise in RF Electronic Warfare, Optical EW, advanced RF hardware, advanced software, and/or cyber
  • Competence in talent management, performance management, mentoring, coaching, and succession planning
  • Ability to achieve results through others and develop leaders
  • Ph.D. (11+ years) or Master's (13+ years) in relevant field (preferred)
  • Active Top Secret with SCI clearance (preferred)
  • Deep knowledge of key customer organizations and missions (preferred)
  • Experience with technology transition, product maturation, and functional matrix organizations (preferred)

What the Team is Saying

BAE Systems, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Healthcare Strength Benefits materials outline comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside an EAP, fertility and transgender care, and HSA-compatible plans with employer HSA contributions noted for 2025.
  • Retirement Support A 401(k) plan with employer matching (varying by business unit) and added financial protections like life and accident insurance are consistently part of the package.
  • Parental & Family Support Paid parental leave from date of hire, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, backup care, and caregiving resources signal robust support for families.

BAE Systems, Inc. Insights

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The Company
HQ: Falls Church, VA
40,000 Employees
Year Founded: 1999

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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Hybrid Workspace

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.

Typical time on-site: Not Specified
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