FAST Labs - R3 Product Line Director

BAE Systems•Merrimack, NH

6d•$200,222 - $340,378•Hybrid

About The Position

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 defines the next generation of technology across ES’s defense and commercial portfolios. We seek to turn groundbreaking research into real-life impact for our customers, as we develop advanced capabilities in advanced electronics, 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 government labs 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. Transitioning our technologies and capabilities into ES products or adjacent business opportunities is a prime objective for our team as we seek to drive impact for our company and our customers to rapidly field new capability. The R3 Product Line Director (PLD) will lead a strategic technology portfolio within the FAST Labs Business Area in the BAE Systems Electronic Systems Sector, reporting directly to the Vice President General Manager of FAST Labs. The R3 Product Line performs cutting-edge research in advanced RF systems, new revolutionary EW architectures, and advanced software techniques that span EW, Comms, and Cyber applications. R3 also performs a unique system-level role. Working closely with customers, R3 teams integrate diverse cutting-edge technologies into even greater capabilities. This is heavily informed by opportunities to conduct testing in realistic, challenging environments and even supporting the fielding of quick reaction operational capabilities. To support getting capability to the warfighter as fast as possible, R3 is also leading the development of new business models in line with DoW acquisition reform, such as commercial models for delivering adaptive hardware and software. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a very talented cross-functional R3 workforce to achieve business success via strategy development and portfolio execution. The R3 Product Line is accountable to capture or identify, create, and deliver discriminating technology and effective customer relations, both external and internal to BAE Systems. The PLD will take an active role in the development of new business opportunities in technology creation, maturation, and product transition related to R3 technologies and capabilities. The R3 PLD will also have financial planning and investment prioritization responsibilities in a very dynamic environment spanning multiple locations, primarily in Merrimack, NH and Arlington, VA.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer science, operations research, mathematics, physics, or related discipline with 15 + years of technical and management experience in Research and Development for the Defense and/or Intelligence markets
Active DoW Top Secret clearance
Eligible for SCI and SAP
Proven ability to lead a diverse organization across multiple geographic business sites
Proven capability to lead a large organization through complex culture change
Strong business acumen and presence at the leadership level
Business and technical leadership, management, and decision making in technology development efforts
Experience with developing new business models, especially based upon commercial models
Strong problem solving: Requires employment of conceptual and innovative thinking
Ability to think strategically and formulate strategic vision, strategies, and implement actions to achieve goals in a changing environment
Strong customer focus and demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with highly technical, complex customers
Highly tuned interpersonal skills: Skilled communicator who influences and shapes the behavior and performance of a complex Business Unit/Sector
Strong Negotiation Skills: Negotiates internally and externally at high levels or with persons of influence frequently
Ability to communicate at all levels within the customer community and the corporate community
Business development mindset with in-depth experience in the development of growth strategies, especially within the Research & Development community
Proven ability to share and transfer technology and know-how across organizational boundaries
Domain expertise in one or more of the following areas: RF Electronic Warfare, Optical Electronic Warfare, advanced RF hardware, advanced software, cyber
Competent in talent management and development, performance management, mentoring, coaching, and team communications.
Ability to achieve results through others.
Demonstrated ability to develop leaders in an organization.
US citizenship status and eligibility to obtain a US Top Secret security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. degree with 11+ years of experience or Master's degree with 13+ years of experience in technical and management experience in Research and Development for the Defense and/or Intelligence markets
Passion to deliver Electronic Systems Defense and Commercial Missions: ‘We Protect Those Who Protect Us’ and ‘We Innovate For Those Who Move the World’
Active Top Secret and SCI clearance
Deep knowledge of key customer organizations and missions
Proven breadth of business leadership from technology seedling and maturation through product development; from conception through deployment
Experience with, and understanding of, functional matrix organizations
Experience operating within ES (or similar) business areas, involved in technology transition planning and technology insertion into BA product roadmaps

Responsibilities

Lead the R3 organization to accomplish the mission and strategy.
Lead R3 by modeling behavior aligned with our BAE Systems corporate culture and principles.
Drive energetic pursuit of new business opportunities aligned with the R3 Product Line.
Lead R3 in management of key customer relationships, building and maintaining trust.
Maintain and grow the R3 mission-centric culture, leveraging in-the-field test and integration opportunities on existing programs and working with FAST Labs mission campaign teams to develop rapid technology transition and scaling opportunities.
Provide leadership oversight and active engagement in the preparation of technical, management, and cost proposals.
Make bid decisions in accordance with the FAST Labs delegated authorities and prioritize new business resources across R3 technical areas.
Maintain cognizance of corporate capabilities and stimulate new business opportunities through R3 technology for other BAE Systems Product Lines.
Ensure execution excellence of all R3 programs.
Coordinate efforts across multiple projects, within and outside of the product line.
Pursue follow-on business opportunities.
Support cross Product Line and Business Area programs to optimize market opportunities.
Proactively engage with BAE Systems Business Areas to facilitate transition of R3 technology to BAE Systems products.
Work with the R3 leadership team to actively manage the most valuable resource we have within the organization: our human capital, to include activities related to recruiting top talent, employee development, employee sponsorship/mentorship, employee engagement and succession planning within the group.