Leads technology development and research programs involving RF photonics, quantum technologies, high-power RF, EO/IR, and sensor systems. Responsibilities include serving as principal investigator or program manager, shaping and capturing government R&D opportunities, leading customer interactions, developing technical proposal inputs, coordinating strategic technology investments, and managing programs through transition. The role requires extensive technical expertise, program capture experience, collaboration across engineering and business leadership, and active security clearance.
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 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™ Sensing 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 Sensing 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, shaping, capturing and executing research and development programs focusing on RF Photonics, Quantum, High Power RF, and/or RF sensor subsystem design and development. Other areas of interest include novel Radar and 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 or Austin, TX 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
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
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, 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.
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™ Sensing 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 Sensing 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, shaping, capturing and executing research and development programs focusing on RF Photonics, Quantum, High Power RF, and/or RF sensor subsystem design and development. Other areas of interest include novel Radar and 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 or Austin, TX 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 Photonic, Quantum, High Power RF, and/or similar capabilities
- Demonstrated experience shaping and 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 to predict system performance and efficacy in the field or on-mission.
- R&D capture lead or proposal lead experience for U.S. Government programs
- Experience with development and field test of novel RF and photonic subsystems and devices.
- 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
- 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, 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.
BAE Systems, Inc. Austin, Texas, USA Office

825 E. Howard Lane, Austin, TX, United States, 78753
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