James Barlow joined Verus Research last month as the fast-growing Albuquerque company looks to grow one of its technology markets. He is the technical director of electronic warfare — using the electromagnetic spectrum to detect and protect against threats such as missiles.
The electromagnetic spectrum includes infrared and radio waves. The company also provides services related to directed energy, autonomous control systems and other areas of technology, but wants to grow its electronic warfare department greatly in the coming years.
Barlow, who will help lead the effort, brings experience from a not-for-profit organization offering capabilities in cybersecurity and systems engineering, according to a release from Verus. He also worked at the Battelle Memorial Institute, one of the organizations that manages Los Alamos National Laboratory as part of Triad National Security LLC.
“I am excited to begin a new chapter at Verus Research,” Barlow said in a prepared statement. “I am confident that our team will produce quality, innovative products and services for our electronic warfare clients."
Verus declined Business First's request to interview Barlow, referring questions instead to managing director and chief financial officer Hank Andrews.
“We do think that [electronic warfare] is an area that is going to grow. Our defense customers of all types operate in the electronic domain," Andrews said. “We certainly have an objective to where it is going to be at least 25 percent of our portfolio by 2025."
Barlow's hire comes as the company expands into a former big-box store on Hotel Circle NE, where it plans research and office space.
Verus Research has about 120 employees and "is never not hiring," according to Andrews. The government contractor's largest customers are currently the Air Force Research Laboratory and the U.S. Army, he said. It made about $25 million in revenue during its 2020 fiscal year, up from about $16 million during the previous year.
During the past year, the company, which has also gone by the name XL Scientific, has been awarded more than $23 million from the government, according to federal data. In 2020, it received a $23.4 million award with the Army, according to an Order for Supplies or Services obtained by Business First. The award, which came as part of a $48 million contract, was one of Verus's largest ever.
The company reportedly plans to expand into its new space in August. Commercial real estate firm RESOLUT RE represented Verus and Art Gardenswartz, the owner of the building, in the real estate transaction, RESOLUT broker Robert Powell told Business First. Design Plus, an Albuquerque architectural design firm, was chosen to work on the project.
