FAST Labs Section Lead - RF & Digital Signal Processing

Job Description FAST Labs™ is a world-class research organization driving the next generation of technology advancement across BAE Systems’ Aerospace & Mission Systems (AMS) segment. Our vision, We secure the future through fearless innovation®, fuels our curiosity and propels our technical teams to take on ‘never been done before’ challenges.

Join our dynamic team of innovators and shape the future of technology with us. If you're a creative problem-solver, a lifelong learner, and a team player who is always looking for ways to improve and innovate, we'd love to meet you. Our ideal candidate is proactive, adaptable, and excited about tackling complex challenges head-on.

Cutting-Edge Research and Development Team in FAST Labs

The BAE Systems' FAST Labs team conducts advanced research and development to deliver next generation electronic solutions for the U.S. military across key technical domains, including:
- Advanced Electronics
- Autonomy
- Sensors & Processing
- Artificial Intelligence
- Electronic Warfare
- Cyber Operations & Defense
We foster a "what's next" mentality, driving the creation of cutting-edge solutions that address the defense industry's most pressing challenges. Our goal is to deliver game-changing capabilities that enhance situational awareness, accelerate decision-making, and improve operational efficiencies. By pushing the boundaries of what's possible, we're able to provide our warfighters with the strategic advantage they need to succeed. This critical work is core to our mission and reflects our unwavering commitment to "Protect Those Who Protect Us®”.

Join our team as an Engineering Section Lead for the Advanced Targeting and Tracking AnalytiCs (ATTAC) group

We are seeking a manager to lead the RF & Digital Signal Processing section while contributing directly to ongoing R&D programs. In this role, you will spend approximately 30-40% of your time on section lead responsibilities and 60-70% on direct program work. You will oversee a team of 6 – 10 specialized engineers who are responsible for algorithms development, waveforms design, performance prediction and analysis. As a Section Lead, you will:
• Provide career development, mentorship connections, and performance feedback
• Shape and grow the team by participating in hiring, talent development, and workforce planning
• Ensure staffing levels and skill sets align with program and business needs
• Collaborate closely with the leadership teams and other cross functional managers to build highly effective program execution teams
• Leverage your technical and leadership expertise to help the organization exceed customer expectations

You will have opportunities to participate in strategic initiatives, bid and proposal development, next generation capability planning, and other activities aligned with your skills and career goals.

This role requires 100% on-site work at a BAE Systems' facility due to the need for consistent in person collaboration and secure access to sensitive information. Required Education, Experience, & Skills We are interested in candidates with people and project leadership, and relevant technical experience. Candidates must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, technical aptitude and the ability to implement strategies that align with business priorities. Specific requirements include:
- Active Top Secret Clearance
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or a related technical field
- 10+ years of professional experience in RF, digital signal processing, algorithm development, radar, communications, electronic warfare, or signals intelligence.
- Demonstrated ability to guide individuals through complex or challenging situations with professionalism and supporting their career development.
- Experience supporting hiring efforts, talent development, mentoring, and helping others build their skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with other groups
- Leadership experience in either a functional and/or technical role
- Demonstrated solid business acumen
- Ability to adapt and perform in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Master's degree or PhD in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or a related technical field
- Research and development (R&D) program experience
- Prior experience as a hiring manager and managing direct reports
- Strong business acumen with the demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategies that enhance organizational performance

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.