Job Description
FAST Labs™ is a world\-class research organization. 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. FAST Labs defines the next generation of technology across BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems (ES) sector. We are seeking a Senior Tracking \& Fusion Research Engineer to join our team.
Why This Role Matters
The modern battlefield is a data‑rich, high‑tempo environment. Our Tracking \& Fusion team gives warfighters the right picture, at the right time, turning raw sensor streams into actionable, fused tracks of friendly, hostile, and neutral platforms. Your work will directly enable tactical decisions that keep our forces safe and effective.
As a Senior Tracking \& Fusion Research Engineer at FAST Labs you’ll be part of a fast‑moving, research‑driven community where you will:
* Shape next‑generation sensor‑fusion algorithms used across air, sea, space, and land domains.
* Collaborate with world‑class scientists, engineers, and customers to solve problems that evolve daily as adversaries play a high‑stakes cat‑and‑mouse game.
* Turn ideas into prototypes that can be pitched internally, funded by customers, and transitioned into operational systems.
* Build a career on a clear technical ladder with mentorship, leadership opportunities, and exposure to classified programs.
What You’ll Do
Our tracking \& fusion platform uses core techniques including particle‑filters, graph‑based association, multi‑hypothesis data association, and both centralized and decentralized architectures. We continuously evolve beyond these core technologies to meet today’s toughest sensor challenges which include low‑SNR returns, non‑linear measurements, low update rates, and the fusion of low dimension sources.
As a senior engineer on the team you will:* Invent and prototype next‑generation tracking \& fusion algorithms for missions ranging from airborne and maritime surveillance to space‑object monitoring.
* Partner with a cross‑functional software team to prototype, evaluate, and refine tracking \& fusion applications.
* Design statistically rigorous measurement models and end‑to‑end track‑generation pipelines that feed our test‑beds and support evaluation of prospective algorithms.
* Identify emerging problems and champion innovative solutions through internal R\&D, cross‑discipline collaborations, or customer‑driven projects \- positioning yourself as a thought leader for future capabilities.
* Travel up to 15% for customer briefings, field demonstrations, flight tests, and integration events. See your work in action and gather real‑world feedback.
* Work on‑site ( 70%) at our Merrimack, NH facilities, benefiting from face‑to‑face teamwork, secure labs, and realistic data/models.
What We Offer* Competitive salary aligned with Global Grade 10 plus opportunities for performance bonuses.
* Comprehensive benefits – health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, generous paid time off, 9/80 work schedule, tuition reimbursement, and relocation assistance.
* Professional growth – learn from co\-workers with extensive experience and training in other disciplines, attend/present at conferences, and join mentorship programs.
* Cutting‑edge environment – work on classified, high‑impact programs with the latest sensor technologies.
* Collaborative culture – small, high‑performing teams where every voice matters and ideas move fast.
Ready to Join the Team?
If you’re eager to apply your expertise in tracking and data fusion to real‑world defense challenges—and you thrive in an innovative, mission‑focused setting—we want to hear from you.
Apply now and help shape the future of battlefield awareness with a career at BAE Systems FAST Labs.
Because of the need for consistent, in\-person collaboration and/or the requirement to perform all work onsite due to the nature of this particular role, it will be performed full\-time onsite. This means work will be conducted on location at a BAE Systems facility 100% of the time.
Required Education, Experience, \& Skills
* Education: Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related field.
* Experience: 4 years (or equivalent academic experience) of hands‑on work in tracking, multi‑sensor data fusion, or related signal‑processing domains.
* Technical Skills: Strong foundation in statistical estimation (Kalman filters, Bayesian methods) and proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python for algorithm development.
* Communication Skills: Experience preparing results for customers, assembling briefings, and writing technical reports.
* Security: Ability to obtain a TOP SECRET clearance with SCI accesses (active SECRET/TOP SECRET a plus). U.S. citizenship required.
* Mindset: Curious, self‑driven, and comfortable presenting ideas to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
Preferred Education, Experience, \& Skills
- Advanced coursework or research in optimization, control theory, or machine learning
- Direct experience with military or space‑based sensing (EO/IR, RF, radar, etc.).
- Proficiency in C/C\+\+ for high‑performance implementation.
- Existing SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance.
- Proven track record of publishing or presenting research at sensor‑fusion or tracking conferences.
Pay Information
Full\-Time Salary Range: $97008 \- $164914
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 the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems’ game\-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere – from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact – for our customers and the communities we serve.
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.