Entry Level Research & Development Engineer

Location: Merrimack, New Hampshire, United States

Category: Engineering & Technology

Employment Type: Full-Time

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.

As an entry-level engineer in FAST Labs, you’ll contribute to cutting edge Research and Development (R&D) programs spanning multiple technical areas. Our teams develop novel technologies ranging from the next generation of new RF processing algorithms to advanced cyber-informed electronic warfare (EW) capabilities demonstrated at government test ranges. If you are excited by open ended technical problems and want to contribute to meaningful, cutting-edge systems, this is the place to start your career.

Roles and Responsibilities may include:

• Support research-focused teams in the design, test, or analysis of capabilities in RF, algorithms, signal processing, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and/or exploit development.
• Develop algorithms, software, or tools that advance customer or internal research projects.
• Contribute to modeling, simulation, and analytical efforts that inform and validate prototype performance.
• Collect and analyze data; produce visualizations, summaries, or insights for the team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Bring curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to tackle new challenges while learning from experienced mentors.

This role is located onsite in Merrimack NH, where you’ll have access to secure labs and opportunities to collaborate with senior technical staff.

At FAST Labs, you’ll join a collaborative environment where early-career engineers explore breakthrough ideas, gain mentorship, and contribute to technologies that protect national security. You’ll grow your skills rapidly while helping define the future of advanced defense systems.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• This position is open to applicants with varying levels of experience. To be considered for an Engineer I, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree. To be considered for an Engineer II, you must have a master’s degree. To be considered for a Senior Engineer, you must have a PhD.
• Degree must be in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline, prior to June 2027
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interpret loosely defined or open-ended direction, take initiative, ask questions, and drive tasks to completion
• Demonstrated self-motivation and ability to work both independently and with an interdisciplinary team
• Must be eligible for a US DoD security clearance

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Completion of a master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline, prior to June 2027
• Knowledge of RF technologies, algorithms, signal processing, artificial intelligence/machine learning, reverse engineering, vulnerability research, exploit development, and performance and data analysis
• Research and development (R&D) experience
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, C, and/or C++
• Security clearance (secret or higher)

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $79365 - $134921

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.