FAST Labs - NEXUS Technology Development Director
BAE Systems · Merrimack · $153,377–$260,743 (stated in the posting)
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 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/IC 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.
We are seeking a Technology Development Director (TDD) to lead our Networked EM eXploitation for Unified Superiority (NEXUS) research group. Research within this group deals with distributed systems, collaboration, coordinated effects, orchestration, and system on systems approaches, amongst many more. The group both drives novel, innovative research ideas and explores how they can transition into larger programs of record and get in the hands of the Warfighter. Missions covered by the group span electronic warfare (EW), radio, signals intelligence (SIGINT), and multi-modal sensemaking and effects, among others. Successful candidates will have prior experience in business capture and customer development as well as leadership across multiple research programs including technical development, customer interaction, program management, or new concept development. Most programs involve teams comprised of strong academic scientists and engineers across multiple disciplines.
The TDD will lead a group of scientists that are responsible for finding and securing new business, executing successfully on current contracts, and transitioning technology for deep mission impacts. A strong component of the group is engaging with external and internal customers to build, win, and execute programs that support the research and development of advanced technology. The TDD is expected to leverage their position, reputation, and technical expertise to build and maintain relationships with government R&D organizations such as DARPA, AFRL, OUSW(R&E), etc. Additionally, the candidate is expected to help define and advance the technical and programmatic roadmaps of the group, directly manage staff, work closely with engineers and other functional support orgs, closely collaborate across adjacent groups and transition pathways, maintain profit & loss targets, and help foster a deeply innovative, collaborative culture.
In this job role, qualified candidates can expect to:
- Contribute to the successful shaping and capturing new research contracts.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government agencies, external companies, and other BAE Systems groups and business areas.
- Oversee the execution of research projects.
- Pursue personal and portfolio growth to target standing up, managing, and supporting a team of scientists, researchers, and technology developers.
- Provide capture and execution oversight of a portfolio of programs valued $20M.
- Directly manage 10+ scientist staff members.
- Typically, a bachelor’s degree with greater than 12 years of professional experience, or a master’s degree and greater than 10 years of professional experience or a Doctorate and greater than 8 years of professional experience.
- Active DoW Secret clearance with ability to attain DoW Top Secret/SCI clearance.
- Strong desire to collaborate with internal/external customers to improve proliferation of technology.
- Experience providing technical and management leadership to a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and managers.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Experience capturing and leading projects at the cutting edge of technology.
- Ability to define, propose, and lead independent research and development.
- Demonstrable entrepreneurial drive.
- Experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Distributed systems – sensing and effects
- Multi-System Orchestration
- Heterogenous Tactical Edge Networks
- Active Top Secret Clearance.
- Active SCI Clearance.
- Master’s or PhD in electrical engineering or related field.
- Sustained history of winning new research & development contracts.
- Experience leading across organizational boundaries for broad business impact.
- Track record of technical innovation as evidenced by journal and conference publications or patent filings
- Prior experience running a small R&D group.
- Broad technical network from key Universities and Research Institutions.
- Experience with management of staff resources and financial responsibility.
- Experience as leader/manager of R&D project team.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $153377 - $260743
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.