The EO/IR Design Center, at 12-18 Hartwell Ave., “will be the source of future innovation at BAE Systems’ infrared imaging business,” said Steve Jamison, BAE Systems vice president and general manager in Lexington.  “It will expand our capability to meet the current and future technology needs of our fighting men and women.”

Among the products that will be designed and tested at the new facility, which will employ 96 people, is BAE Systems’ new Enhanced Night Vision Digital Goggle.  The company is under contract with the U.S. Army to develop the helmet-mounted goggle, which converts infrared energy -- heat radiated by people, vehicles, and other sources -- to video images.  The technology, which enables soldiers to “see” through darkness, smoke, and other obscurants, is at the core of BAE Systems’ Lexington product line.

“The facility’s location provides for collaboration with our neighboring military facilities” -- the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center in Natick and Hanscom Air Force Base -- “and is within driving distance of our many suppliers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire,” Jamison said.  “As we continue to grow our business, this will mean more high-quality jobs throughout the region.”

Massachusetts Rep. Jay Kaufman attended the event, along with representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, U.S. Rep. Edward Markey, and other state and local officials.

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