FAST Lab Systems Engineering Section Lead - Mgr II

Job Description
Join our dynamic team of innovators and shape the future of technology with us. We're on the hunt for curious and driven individuals who thrive in collaborative environments and are passionate about harnessing the power of optical sensing technology to drive meaningful operational impact for our country's warfighters. 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 someone who is proactive, adaptable, and excited about tackling new challenges head-on. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting your journey, if you're eager to learn, grow, and make a real difference, we want to hear from you.

Cutting-Edge Research and Development Team in FAST Labs
The BAE Systems' FAST Labs team conducts research and development in the following areas to create advanced electronic solutions for the U.S. military. These areas include

• 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 a Systems Engineering Section Lead
We are seeking a Systems Engineering Leader that will help shape the systems engineering discipline for FAST Labs as well as technically contribute to work program. You will lead and manage a systems engineering team of 8 - 12 engineers who are charged to develop requirements, monitor design, complete test and verification, deliver, and support critical mission capabilities. Key aspects of your work will involve:

• Championing tailored system engineering processes and culture: Drive the application of tailored systems engineering methods, resources, and cultural norms, ensuring the team is equipped with the necessary tools and expertise to succeed.
• Developing and scaling technical talent: Lead efforts to recruit, retain, and develop systems engineers, implementing training and recognition strategies that align individual growth with business needs.
• Optimizing resource allocation: Strategically assign team members to programs, IRADs, and proposals to ensure optimal balance between capability requirements and business priorities.
• Driving adoption of advanced engineering methods: Lead the integration of Digital Engineering, GenAI, and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to measurably increase operational efficiency and product quality.
• Facilitating strategic communication and knowledge transfer: Establish regular engagement cadences to flow down company and business area information while sharing SE processes, tools, and best practices across the team.
• Ensuring organizational alignment and compliance: Lead efforts to ensure all group members adhere to BAE Systems' cultural principles, corporate policies, and strategic vision.

Grow Your Career with a Purpose
At BAE Systems, we're committed to helping you achieve your full potential. You'll be part of a high-performing team of passionate and motivated engineers who share a common goal: to protect our military service personnel and innovate for the greater good. Our mission is built on two core principles: "Protecting Those Who Protect Us" and "Innovating for Those Who Move the World". By joining our team, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects, collaborate with talented professionals, and advance your career through ongoing growth and development opportunities. We're dedicated to supporting your continued education and professional development, offering comprehensive training programs, mentorship, and tuition assistance to help you pursue advanced degrees or certifications. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills in a specific area or take your career to the next level, we're committed to investing in your future and helping you achieve your goals.

Work Environment
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. Occasional domestic travel may be required to support integration and test events.

We believe that a healthy work-life balance is essential to your success and well-being. That's why we prioritize flexibility and support your needs outside of work, so you can thrive in all aspects of your life. At BAE Systems, you'll find a culture that values your contributions, fosters collaboration and innovation, and recognizes the importance of balance and well-being. Join us and discover a career that's both challenging and rewarding, with a purpose that makes a real difference.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills
We are interested in candidates with people leadership, project management, and design experience, who have had a role in new development and/or established programs. Candidates must demonstrate strong technical aptitude and leadership skills. Experience leading systems engineers within multi-disciplined engineering teams through all phases of the systems engineering development lifecycle is important, as the individual will be able to influence program execution and mentor engineers. Specific requirements include:

• Active Secret Clearance
• Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field
• 10+ years of professional experience in radar, spectrum, communications, electronic warfare, signals intelligence, or EO/IR systems
• Experience in leading systems teams in either a functional and/or technical role
• Demonstrated ability to guide individuals through complicated or difficult situations effectively and professionally and supporting their career development.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with engineers in other disciplines
• Experience in developing proposals and engineering work plans for Department of War research and development efforts
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing requirements
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team to adapt to changes efficiently
• Proficient with MATLAB and/or Python
• Advanced problem solving and debugging skills

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Active Top Secret Clearance
• Master's Degree or PhD in electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field
• Experience integrating and testing software and hardware system components in a laboratory environment
• Experience integrating and testing systems in operationally relevant environments
• Knowledge and application of Digital Engineering methodologies and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices.
• Experience in a rapid prototype environment
• Understanding of military operations and application of RF or EO/IR capabilities in these environments to enable mission success
• Experience participating and leading documentation and communication efforts with multi-disciplinary teams to develop data-driven designs, results, reports, and presentations
• Experience with Linux/Unix platforms

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 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.