FAST Labs Technology Group Lead - Lasers & Advanced Materials

Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Merrimack (NH); On-site; USD 147,000 - 251,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Technology Group Lead to drive innovation in laser technologies and optical materials. This role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, managing strategic plans, and fostering technical growth. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in physics or engineering, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record in program management. Join a dynamic team at the forefront of defense technology, where your expertise will shape the future of advanced materials and laser applications for critical missions. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence group culture and engage with top-tier professionals in the field.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Recognition Programs

Qualifications

• Strong technical background in physics or engineering.
• Experience in management, mentoring, and coaching.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of specialty optical materials.
• Manage programs and oversee program execution.

Skills

Leadership

Program Management

Technical Problem Solving

Communication

Relationship Building

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics

15+ years of relevant industry experience

Job description

Job Description

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 EO/IR and RF technologies. Within ST, the Electro-Optic Sensing Solutions (EOSS) technology area is a vertically integrated R&D organization spanning advanced materials, lasers, and integrated optical systems to meet emerging mission needs. EOSS seeks candidates with strong technical expertise and business acumen to lead the Lasers and Advanced Materials (LAM) technology group.

Role Overview

The selected candidate will serve as a Technology Group Lead (TGL), reporting to the EOSS Technology Area Director (TAD). Responsibilities include leading the design and development of specialty optical materials, focusing on nonlinear crystals, and advancing laser technologies primarily for DoD applications. The TGL manages programs, pursuits, and personnel, overseeing program execution, technology roadmaps, and team supervision.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Partnering with scientists to develop strategic plans that drive growth.
2. Allocating resources effectively to achieve group goals.
3. Developing staff skills and fostering technical growth.
4. Executing programs with multidisciplinary teams in partnership with the Program Management Office (PMO).
5. Aligning customer goals with internal objectives for successful delivery and transition.
6. Shaping and capturing new business opportunities.
7. Leading to influence group culture, behavior, development, and training.

This position reports directly to the Electro-Optic Sensing Solutions Technical Area Director and is based in Merrimack, NH, requiring both virtual and in-person collaboration with stakeholders.

The role is primarily on-site due to collaboration and work nature, with limited remote options at the company's discretion.

Ideal candidates will be recognized subject matter experts in relevant fields, with a strong network in the science and technology community, including DoD, IC, and academia. Knowledge of DoD and IC missions is essential.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in physics, optics, materials science, or engineering.
• 15+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Active DoD Secret clearance, ability to obtain Top Secret clearance.
• Proven business leadership and program management skills.
• Strong technical background in physics or engineering.
• Ability to build relationships across product lines, business areas, and with customers.
• Experience in management, mentoring, coaching, and communication.
• Experience working with DoD research labs such as DARPA, AFRL, ARL, NRL, and ONR.
• Leadership in solving complex technical problems.
• Success in business capture, opportunity shaping, customer engagement, and proposal writing.
• Self-motivation, leadership, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills.
• Understanding of BAE Systems markets and customers.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Five years leading small to mid-sized technical teams with supervisory responsibilities.
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance.
• Success in capturing DoD R&D opportunities.
• Experience in executing R&D activities.
• Knowledge of EO/IR systems and laser technologies across various IR bands.
• Understanding of optical parametric oscillators (OPOs), amplifiers (OPAs), fiber lasers, diode-pumped solid-state lasers, and quantum-cascade lasers.
• Familiarity with product development lifecycle in the DoD context.
• Ability to lead diverse organizations across multiple sites.
• Skills in resource planning, staff development, and management reporting.
• Critical thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Experience managing scarce resources among competing priorities.

Pay and Benefits

Salary Range: $147,300 - $250,400. Benefits include health, dental, vision, HSA, 401(k), disability, life insurance, paid time off, holidays, parental/military/bereavement leave, recognition programs, and other incentives.

About BAE Systems Electronic Systems

BAE Systems, Inc. is a global defense, aerospace, and security company providing products and services for various forces and sectors. With over 14,000 employees, we focus on innovation, technology, and making a significant impact worldwide, from ocean depths to space.