The FAST Labs™ organization is focused on the future. As the research and development arm of BAE Systems Inc., we bring together the brightest minds to accelerate the pace of innovation and push the limits of what’s possible. Our team of expert scientists and engineers turn the most advanced concepts into mission-ready solutions to outpace the threats of today and tomorrow, keeping our U.S. armed forces safe while striving to secure a better future.
Within the Electronic Systems sector of BAE Systems, Inc., the FAST Labs group combines in-depth research with an unstoppable passion for new ideas.
- We work with customers to envision, execute, transition, and deliver critical technology for tomorrow at the speed of the mission.
- We engage with other BAE Systems business areas to identify emerging trends, technologies, and threats, and transition cutting-edge solutions to address them.
- We collaborate with universities, venture capital firms, and start-ups to develop next-generation capabilities.
The FAST Labs research and development portfolio spans a wide range of advanced and emerging technologies – a significant portion of which are classified projects developed for the U.S. Department of Defense and research agencies. Explore our key technology areas below:
What is Research and Development?
Whether we do it for commercial operations, consumer markets, the public sector, or other clientele, R&D organizations all exist to develop new and updated products and services, usually through some version of the following process:
- Discovery– gathering information about a problem that needs to be solved
- Invention– new ideas to solve the problem
- Innovation– exploring variations on the new ideas to see what is best
- Adaptation– designing the new invention to fit customer-established specifications
- Testing– making sure the ideas work, first in a lab and then in the field;
- Production– building the actual device or system for deployment/implementation
In FAST Labs we specialize in government, defense, and commercial R&D, and our highly-trained teams perform all of the above – but we also design our processes to specifically ensure the successful, rapid development of new capabilities and smooth transition onto fielded products and systems – all with the goal to get these capabilities into the hands of those who need it most.
Our ultimate goal is to accelerate the R&D process through production and deployment. We are proud that our customers consistently appreciate our extra efforts and results.
What types of work does FAST Labs do?
BAE Systems’ FAST Labs team focuses on researching, adapting, inventing, and producing advanced and emerging technologies to create game-changing electronic solutions that overcome challenges and give the U.S. military and our warfighters an upper hand before, during, and after conflicts. Seven (7) specific areas of FAST Labs’ research include:
- Advanced Electronics including cutting edge components used to build next generation communications, navigation, sensing, decision-making, machine learning, signal blocking, targeting, and other defense and intelligence systems.
- Autonomy ranging from sensor-driven controls capable of detecting and acting faster than a person can think to complete autonomous systems that make it possible to work in hazardous environments, improve operational efficiencies, or perform basic tasks to free up the time and energy of warfighters, rescue crews, explorers, and others.
- Sensors & Processing that we develop using advanced materials, machine learning (ML) algorithms, and more to greatly improve situational awareness, even in complex threat environments, by collecting, interpreting, and conveying vast amounts of data quickly.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) that instills defense, intelligence, and integrated systems with cognitive problem-solving capabilities to optimize situational awareness, accelerate analysis and decision-making, improve platform efficiencies, increase weapon lethality, and more.
- Electronic Warfare (EW) technologies and systems that dominate the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) in conflict zones and everywhere they are needed. From advanced electronic protection (EP) to multispectral radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), and electro-optic (EO) sensing to cognitive EW algorithms and more, we are the very best at this.
- Cyber Operations & Defense solutions that protect the warfighter against known and unknown threats in real time, enabling decisive operational execution in defense products and services across the company-wide portfolio. From aircraft, satellites, and ground vehicles to ships, submarines, and IT networks, this technology ensures mission-critical systems operate undeterred as we evolve response solutions.
- Classified Projects developed for the U.S. Department of Defense and research agencies make up a substantial portion of the FAST Labs portfolio, including emerging technologies.
In addition, the FAST Labs team also invests significantly in emerging technologies in order to leverage the greater technology ecosystem, for our employees and for our customers. By not only tracking, but actively involving ourselves in creating a 'what’s next' mentality, we bring future-focused commercial solutions to the defense industry.
Does FAST Labs develop commercial products?
Yes. While our primary focus is on developing cutting-edge electronics and systems for the U.S. Department of Defense, intelligence agencies, and select allies, many of our products are designed with dual-use applications in mind. As a result, our technology is also available in commercial products, which are utilized by both defense and commercial communities.
What career opportunities does FAST Labs offer?
FAST Labs is a global pioneer in technology research and development, driven by its talented team. The organization brings together a diverse group of innovative and dedicated individuals, providing them with the necessary tools and support to drive progress. This approach enables the team to make a significant impact and deliver exceptional results for clients. The company recruits skilled professionals for a range of roles, including:
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Technology Scouting
Our Technology Scouting team spearheads the company's mission to capitalize on external technology disruption and to increase the speed of innovation. We do this by creating strong, productive partnerships with high-tech businesses, local innovation ecosystems, universities, and investors.
Career Opportunities
When you work in FAST Labs, you not only push the edge of what’s possible, you also get to see your research become reality, following your inventions from concept to creation...often in months, not years. We have the infrastructure, resources, and expertise you will need to re-invent the future, and the production capacity to finish and field your inventions at mission speed.
Want to shape the technology of tomorrow?
Join FAST Labs today!
BAE Systems Inc.
Advanced Lasers • Autonomous Systems • Artificial Intelligence (AI) • Cognitive Cyber • Cognitive EW • Competency-Aware Machine Learning (CAML) • Complex Cyber Systems • Cyber Effects • Cyber Resilience • DARPA • Distributed EW • Electronic Protection (EP) • Electronic Warfare (EW) • Electro-Optic (EO) Sensors • GaAs & GaN Foundry • Infrared (IR) Sensors • IR Countermeasures • Machine Learning (ML) • Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) • Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) Foundry • Multi-Int Signal Processing • Nonlinear Crystals • Smart Sensors and Seekers • Tactical Networks