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Director Unmanned Systems Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Neany Inc.

Senior Systems Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Lead and direct the work of others as assigned * Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the ... Our ability to incorporate advanced technologies into unmanned systems quickly, and effectively ...

Actalent

Electrical Drafter

Rockville, MD

... unmanned systems. Responsibilities * Develop and maintain detailed electrical schematics, wiring ... Teams have direct access to advanced tools and technologies, including in-house 3D printing, and ...

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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 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 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 is a 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.
What are popular job titles related to Director Unmanned Systems jobs in Reston, VA? For Director Unmanned Systems jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Unmanned Systems jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Director Unmanned Systems jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Director Unmanned Systems jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Director Unmanned Systems job openings:
Director Unmanned Systems jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Unmanned Systems job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Lead Unmanned & Autonomous Systems Engineer

Jobtailor

Washington, DC • On-site

$140 - $210/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

  • Lead the engineering development of the next generation GPS-degraded, semi-autonomous defense capability
  • Own the technical baseline across the development lifecycle, from requirements decomposition and architecture through prototyping, integration, testing, and transition to the fleet
  • Direct a cross‑functional team spanning systems, hardware, software, and autonomy
  • Serve as the technical interface to the government client, translating mission needs into executable development plans
Requirements
  • 10+ years of experience in systems engineering or development of DoD weapons systems, ordnance or munitions, unmanned systems, or autonomous platforms, including leading the technical effort across multiple development phases
  • 5+ years of experience leading cross‑functional engineering teams through the full development lifecycle, including requirements definition, architecture, design, integration, and verification
  • 5+ years of experience planning and conducting technical reviews, including SRR, SDR, SFR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FCA, or PCA, and developing the supporting technical documentation
  • Experience advancing prototype systems through the development lifecycle to achieve operational deployment
  • Experience identifying, analyzing, and managing program technical risks and issues across hardware, software, and system domains, including root cause analysis and mitigation planning
  • Experience decomposing operational requirements and system specifications into a managed technical baseline and allocating requirements across subsystems
  • Experience using a Model-Based Systems Engineering or Digital Engineering approach to manage system definitions, architecture, and technical baselines
  • Ability to resolve complex, multidisciplinary technical challenges in a fast‑paced environment, work independently and collaboratively, take initiative, and drive a team to program goals
  • Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics field
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