FAST Labs - RF Scientist and Communicator

Job Description FAST Labs™, the research and development organization of the Aerospace & Mission Systems (AMS) Segment at BAE Systems, is searching for a Principal Scientist to drive new research in the Multi-Mode Sensing Equipment (MMSE) Tech Area in the Sensing Technologies (ST) Product Line. Our strategic vision highlights collaboration across the enterprise, transition to Business Area partners and a focus on Contract Research and Development (CRAD) market demands. Our portfolio and areas of potential interest range from next generation lasers, precision beam pointing, advanced seekers & expendables, to quantum apertures and photonics. ST has established itself as a market leader in the development of EO/IR and RF full spectrum component technologies.

MMSE is seeking a scientist primarily to assist in the capture and growth of future efforts as well as to execute existing and upcoming CRAD programs. This will involve working closely with internal stakeholders to connect our solutions to customer problems, as well as communicating directly with customers to understand their requirements and capture contract research and development (CRAD) opportunities. Having joy in communicating the value of our Science is essential in this role, as you will need to convey complex technical problems and solutions to both technical audiences and non-technical decision makers.

To be successful in this position, you must possess a strong foundation in RF electronic warfare (EW), as well as programming expertise. Experience with data analysis and visualization is also required, with the ability to present complex data in a clear and actionable format to customers. You should be proactive and self-motivated, with a willingness to ask for help when needed and a desire to continuously learn and grow. This includes staying up to date with new technologies and being able to quickly adapt to changing project requirements. As you grow in this role, you will have opportunities to lead program teams, guiding the development and execution of complex projects and mentoring junior team members to help them achieve their full potential. You should be able to translate customer needs into actionable tasks, prioritize efforts, and make strategic decisions to drive program success. If you are a strong problem-solver with excellent communication skills, a passion for working with customers to identify and address their needs, and the ability to lead and motivate high-performing teams, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
As a Principal Scientist in this role, you will be required to:
- Co-lead new business pursuits, proposals, and initiatives with objective of growing into Principal Investigator role on programs
- Initiate, manage, and nurture customer relationships to shape future opportunities and grow BAE brand at customer office
- Develop requirements for novel multimodal systems pursued by FAST Labs
- Identify new and emerging growth areas for our partner Tech Areas and Product Lines in relevant modeling environments
- Collaborate with internal experts to define specific platform and mission-level requirements based on quantitative analysis
- Recommend modeling approaches for requirements, operational architecture, functional architecture, and physical architecture
- Lead modeling and simulation studies using a variety of common Government and internal tools
- Identify necessary customer inputs and work to acquire relevant platform, sensor, & threat models from the respective customer communities
- Lead and interactions with relevant internal and external customer counterparts to ensure modeling accuracy and validity to the identified mission and vision
Because of the need for consistent, in-person collaboration and/or the requirement to perform all work onsite due to the nature of this 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
- Willingness to support SAP programs in-person a minimum of 4 days a week @ Merrimack, NH
- Experience working with the DoW research labs, including DARPA, AFRL, ONR, ARL as well as non-traditional R&D organizations
- Desire to grow into shaping and capturing new work with the same organizations
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting technical research to a large audience
- Demonstrated self-discipline to plan and prioritize work
- Proactive get-it-done mindset willing to think about missions and not engagements
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Active DoW Secret clearance and ability to obtain Top Secret with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access and Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
- RF System Architect experience
- Operational Analysis capabilities
We typically require a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Engineering, Math, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Science, or other relevant paths in combination with experience as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of relevant professional experience
- Master’s degree and 4+ years of relevant professional experience
- PhD degree and 2+ years of relevant professional experience

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762

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.