ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Unmanned Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Akima

KY · On-site

$158K/yr

Understand operating requirements for unmanned systems in spectrum-contested environments and be ... direct-action integration. * Assist in the planning, preparation and execution of UxS-supported ...

Quantum-Systems,-Inc

Director of Product

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$180 - $195/hr

... unmanned systems possible. The Director of Product further ensures that product investments align with corporate strategy, customer needs, engineering capacity, and revenue objectives while balancing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUnmanned Systems JobsDirector Unmanned Systems Jobs

Director Unmanned Systems information

What is the difference between Director Unmanned Systems vs Unmanned Systems Engineer?

AspectDirector Unmanned SystemsUnmanned Systems Engineer
Primary RoleOversees unmanned systems programs, strategic planning, and team managementDesigns, develops, and tests unmanned systems and related technologies
Required CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees and leadership experienceBachelor's or master's in engineering or related fields
Work EnvironmentManagement, coordination, and high-level project oversightTechnical development, testing, and engineering tasks
Industry UsageUsed in aerospace, defense, and research organizations for leadership rolesCommonly employed in R&D, manufacturing, and technical teams

The main difference between a Director Unmanned Systems and an Unmanned Systems Engineer lies in their focus and responsibilities. The director manages programs and teams, while the engineer concentrates on technical design and development. Both roles are essential in the unmanned systems industry but serve different functions within organizations.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Director of Unmanned Systems in coordinating cross-functional teams?

A Director of Unmanned Systems often collaborates with engineering, operations, compliance, and business development teams to ensure successful project delivery. One common challenge is aligning the diverse priorities and communication styles of these groups, especially when integrating new technologies or meeting regulatory requirements. It's essential to foster clear communication channels, establish unified goals, and stay updated on evolving industry standards. Balancing technical innovation with operational safety and regulatory compliance is also a key aspect of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Unmanned Systems, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Unmanned Systems, you typically need deep expertise in robotics, aerospace engineering, or a related field, along with significant leadership experience and an advanced degree. Familiarity with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms, regulatory compliance systems, and certifications such as Part 107 Remote Pilot or equivalent are highly valued. Strong strategic planning, communication, and team leadership skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring safe, innovative, and compliant operations in rapidly evolving unmanned systems environments.

What are Director Unmanned Systems?

A Director of Unmanned Systems is a senior management professional responsible for overseeing the development, deployment, and operation of unmanned systems such as drones, autonomous vehicles, and robotics within an organization. This role involves strategic planning, program management, compliance with regulations, and collaboration with engineering, operations, and safety teams. The director ensures that unmanned systems align with business goals and meet all technical and safety requirements. They may also be involved in research and development, budgeting, and stakeholder communication. This position is common in industries like defense, aerospace, logistics, and agriculture.
More about Director Unmanned Systems jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Unmanned Systems jobs? Cities with the most Director Unmanned Systems job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Unmanned Systems jobs? The most popular types of Unmanned Systems jobs are:
What states have the most Director Unmanned Systems jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Unmanned Systems jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Unmanned Systems jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Unmanned Systems jobs are:
Director Unmanned Systems jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Unmanned Systems job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Director Unmanned Aerial Systems

Duke Energy Corporation

Charlotte, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Duke Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 167 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 86 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Important Application Submission Information
In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Tuesday, August 4, 2026
More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.
Build an exciting, rewarding career with us - help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.
Job Summary
The Director Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) leads all facets of Duke Energy's UAS organization, both strategic and operational, with ultimate responsibility for the safe, secure and efficient operation of all company operated and contracted drones, in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements. Drones maximize the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of each business organization that the UAS organization supports. The Director is responsible for internal (Aviation Services) drone operations and for the training, governance, and oversight for all Duke Energy qualified UAS pilots in other business units. The Director is responsible for a wide range of highly complex programs/projects and is single point accountable for drone operations. This position promotes operational excellence and introduces business transformation by taking a multi-disciplinary, end-to-end continuous improvement approach to strategic planning. They provide supervisory, administrative, technical and contract logistic support including responsibility for cost (budget), schedule, and overall performance. The ability to work across all organizations and Duke Energy territories is paramount. The Director will be an advocate and a promoter of the technology across the enterprise. This includes regular communications with Senior Leadership. Progression to this level is restricted on the basis of business need. Staff size is maintained at appropriate levels to meet the mission requirements of the Duke Energy Enterprise, generally in the range of 40-50 individuals, with a mix of FTEs and CWs.
Responsibilities
Leads the UAS Team activity, by engaging current team members or adding team members, as required, from appropriate areas. Example: Legal, Risk, Emerging Tech.
  • Ensures mutual understanding of each team members' role and responsibilities.
  • Sets project goals and expectations clearly to align the project team.
  • Establish and maintain effective communications among all UAS Team Members and project stakeholders.
  • Coordinates work within work groups and with other Duke Energy departments and regions in multiple states, to include outside organizations (e.g. regulatory agencies, suppliers and contractors).
  • Develops UAS team members

Manage the design and deployment of UAS solutions for Enterprise needs.
  • The position manages a portfolio of projects that involves testing or integration of unmanned systems.
  • Acts as a liaison between business units and the manned aviation flight department, while simplifying and promoting access to and utilization of UAS technologies into the Enterprise.
  • Manage UAS for a wide variety of business applications. The UAS Manager will have the lead role in delivering solutions to our Business Unit customers.
  • The Manager has the responsibility to tailor a solution with the right set of hardware, software, and data services to help Business Units gather data and generate information for operations with the goal to save money, increase data collection and improve safety.
  • The UAS Manager understands and defines requirements, design solutions, and manage system implementation and delivery.
  • Oversight of the UAS training program and other UAS contracts/contractors.

Responsible for creating and presenting a 1 year, 3 year, 5 year roadmap for the goals, expansion, management and coordination of the UAS program.
  • Reporting to management: statistics, successes/failures, actual-to-budget variances, etc.
  • Determining and negotiating the types of UAS and services to be provided (and NOT provided) by the program.
  • Establishing the program structure, including standards, budget, metrics, reporting, compliance and enforcement within the guidelines of the policy.
  • Understanding and incorporating compliance with regulations into all program processes and procedures (including internal to DE, privacy, emergency response, etc.)

External Engagement, including representing Duke Energy on any UAS conferences, committees, workgroups, regulatory bodies.
  • Creates policies, procedures, and other required documentation for management of the program.

Basic/Required Qualifications
  • Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Aeronautical
  • Minimum 7 years related work experience

Desired Qualifications
  • FAA Private Pilot License and/or FAA Part 107
  • Excellent people and leadership skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of Duke Energy leadership
    • Ability to influence future direction of programs within the company
    • Ability to influence future trends in the industry
  • Advanced aviation skills (endorsements, instrument rating, etc.)
  • Master's Degree, Professional Engineering License, Professional Land Surveyor License, GIS certification
  • Ability to develop consensus across multiple stakeholders with varying interests
  • Understanding/application of data and analytics
  • Marketing and public relations acumen
  • Business acumen (profit, loss, and cost control)
  • Utility specific operations, construction, or project management experience
  • Strong expertise in project management, decision making, critical thinking, and problem solving.

Working Conditions
  • Hybrid Mobility Classification - Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees should live within a reasonable daily commute to a Duke Energy facility.
  • Office and field requirements.

Specific Requirements
  • 10 years in Aviation, Engineering, or Project/Program Management.
  • 3 years as a people leader.
  • Demonstrated strong communications capabilities, particularly with senior management and external to the organization
  • Experience in supervising, coordinating, and reviewing the work of a diverse work group both inside and outside the enterprise
  • Effectively negotiates with others to reach agreement which will meet the organization's needs and those of the Company.
  • Ability to conduct effective meetings.
  • Ability to show sensitivity and concern for the needs/views of other teammates; treats other employees with respect and provides leadership, oversight, delegation, and coordination.
  • Extensive knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations, airspace, weather, and aircraft performance.
  • Ability to control costs within a defined budget for operations.

#LI-ZM1
#LI-Hybrid
Travel Requirements
15-25%
Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)
No
Represented/Union Position
No
Visa Sponsored Position
No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.
Privacy
Do Not Sell My Personal Information (CA)
Terms of Use
Accessibility

What Duke Energy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Duke Energy logo

About Duke Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Our electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Our natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Our company employs 28,000 people.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1904

View All Duke Energy Jobs

Apply