Director Robotics Research Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

ProteQ is a professional services company providing technical, engineering, logistics, business, and program management support to government and commercial clients. Our capabilities include complex systems integration, engineering, field operations, test and evaluation, environmental, health and safety (EHS) programs, audit services, and lifecycle program execution.

Supporting national security missions has been at the core of ProteQ since the company's founding. We specialize in the maritime domain, with extensive expertise in manned and unmanned undersea systems and operations. Our team has successfully led complex defense programs, integrating and transitioning advanced technologies from concept through operational deployment while providing technical, engineering, logistics, and executive-level support to our customers.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Robotic & Autonomous Systems Support (DRASS) to provide strategic, technical, operational, and business leadership for ProteQ's robotics and autonomous systems portfolio. The role is responsible for driving program growth, business development, project execution, and customer engagement across defense, government, commercial, and emerging technology markets. The DRASS oversees the planning and delivery of robotic and autonomous systems support initiatives, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, customer requirements, and applicable standards. Serving as a senior leader, the DRASS integrates business development, engineering, project management, and operations to successfully capture, execute, and sustain programs while expanding ProteQ's market presence and revenue growth. The Director of Robotic & Autonomous Systems Support reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer and is required on-site three days a week.

Responsibilities

As a valued team member, your role will encompass the following essential tasks:

• Lead the strategic growth, business development, and operational execution of ProteQ's Robotic and Autonomous Systems Support portfolio.
• Identify, evaluate, and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, customers, and emerging markets to expand revenue and market presence.
• Direct capture efforts, proposal development, contract negotiations, and customer engagement activities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with government, commercial, and industry stakeholders.
• Monitor industry trends, customer requirements, and emerging technologies to inform business and technology strategies.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of robotic and autonomous systems support programs, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, customer expectations, and contractual requirements.
• Provide leadership and oversight for systems integration, testing, deployment, sustainment, and operational support activities.
• Manage program financial performance, including budgets, forecasts, resource allocation, and corporate financial and technical reviews.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams of project managers, engineers, technicians, and support personnel to achieve program objectives.
• Establish program priorities, schedules, performance metrics, and risk management strategies to ensure successful project execution.
• Identify and mitigate technical, operational, financial, and programmatic risks while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, quality standards, and contractual obligations.
• Provide executive leadership with regular reporting on business development activities, program performance, financial status, and strategic initiatives.
• Support workforce development through recruiting, hiring, mentoring, training, and professional development initiatives.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.
• Represent ProteQ in customer engagements, industry conferences, technical forums, and strategic partnership discussions.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and implement long-range growth, technology, and operational strategies.
• Develop, manage, and oversee annual operating, program, and business development budgets.

Required Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience with demonstrated success managing teams and complex initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinking, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Experience building collaborative relationships across departments and stakeholders.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., Project Management Professional (PMP), INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), or equivalent) are preferred.
• Experience with U.S. Department of Defense, federal research agencies, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), or national laboratories is highly desirable.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency with macOS operating systems, including the ability to effectively manage day-to-day computing, productivity, and collaboration tasks in a Mac-based environment.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience using the Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, with the ability to prepare executive-level reports, presentations, data analyses, and communications.