BAE Systems’ new Manchester facility ‘critical’ to company’s plans

BAE Systems Vice President of F-35 Solutions Lisa Aucoin was joined Gov. Chris Sununu, U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen, Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig and other dignitaries at the official opening of BAE Systems’ new facility in Manchester. (Photo by Andrew Sylvia/Manchester Ink Link)

BAE Systems opened its new engineering and production facility in Manchester last week, a move that represents one of its new strategic facility investments nationwide, along with sites in Austin, Texas; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Huntsville, Ala.

Three years in the making, the 200,000-square-foot Manchester facility includes engineering design space, modern laboratories and office space, providing the company with additional capacity to support the design and development of electronic warfare (EW) systems for the United States and its allies, according to company officials. It is located on Goff Falls Road near Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.

“Our new Manchester facility is critical to developing next-generation electromagnetic warfare systems and accelerating the delivery of capabilities to our customers,” said Ray Brousseau, vice president and deputy general manager at BAE Systems Electronic Systems. “This investment will support our workforce, improve operational efficiency and research capabilities, and enable us to continue delivering high-quality, trusted products.”

BAE Systems’ advanced EW systems combine threat warning and self-protection capabilities to help F-35 fighter jet pilots conduct their missions and return home safely. The growth of the company’s EW programs provides career growth opportunities for employees in Manchester, according to company officials. The company is hiring hundreds of skilled local candidates for critical roles to accommodate growth, including positions in engineering, finance, and project management.

“At BAE Systems, we offer challenging and rewarding work, great career opportunities, a welcoming culture, and an opportunity to take part in a mission that is critical to the safety and security of the U.S. military,” said Steve Copley, Manchester project director at BAE Systems. “Our Manchester facility provides an excellent, modern work environment for our employees, and deepens our roots in the Granite State.”

BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems sector conducts research, development, implementations and maintenance of cutting-edge commercial, defense and space electronics, with more than 6,000 employees in in Nashua, Hudson and Merrimack.