In June, I stepped into my new role as vice president and general manager of the FAST Labs™ business area and couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and nostalgia. With over 30 years of experience in government, business and technical leadership, it’s been a privilege working with some of the most innovative organizations in the industry. But there’s something special about FAST Labs that really gets me “geeking out.” Whether it’s traveling from site to site, meeting with the talented staff, or diving into the cutting-edge technology, I’ve been reminded of why I’m so passionate about this work.
History with FAST Labs
My history with FAST Labs dates back to my time as a DARPA program manager in the mid-to-late 1990s. My portfolios brought me into contact with BAE Systems’ predecessor companies. One of these portfolios was heavily concentrated on software and algorithms, and I had the opportunity to work with Alphatech, a company that was later acquired by BAE Systems and whose legacy can be seen in the autonomy and tracking work done by the business today. The other portfolio involved more sensitive and classified work with what was, at the time, part of Lockheed Sanders. I was the customer for an electronic device research and development effort run out of the Merrimack, N.H. facility and a microelectronics user out of what is now Electronic Systems’ Microelectronics Center. Those experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the innovative spirit that defines FAST Labs.
Geeking out
In learning the FAST Labs of today, I’ve made it a point to have conversations with everyone I can – hear about their work, share my own experiences, and get absorbed in the technology. It’s a pleasure to engage with people and take the opportunity to deep dive into their innovations. It’s amazing to see the talented individuals who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From autonomy to microelectronics, the work being done in FAST Labs is truly cutting-edge. It’s energizing to see the enthusiasm and dedication of the team.
Innovation and technology transitions
One thing that’s clear is that FAST Labs is committed to supporting the warfighter. That focus is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s what drives our innovation. As people have heard me say at every meeting, we will continue to do basic research while always keeping an eye on mission impact and technology transition. This is who we are. We’re not just looking to solve immediate problems or create cool tech just for the sake of it; we’re developing new ways for those who protect us to carry out their missions. The unrelenting focus on serving the warfighter will continue to guide everything we do.
By Dr. Timothy Grayson, Vice President & General Manager of FAST Labs
With Paul Roberts, Communications