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Director Unmanned Systems information

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 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 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 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.

Unmanned Systems Industrial Base Analyst

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Analytic Services Inc
See more jobs at Analytic Services Incexternal

Full-time

Medical, Life

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Company Overview:
ANSER enhances national and homeland security by strengthening public institutions. We provide thought leadership for complex issues through independent analysis, and we deliver practical, useful solutions. ANSER values collaboration, integrity, and initiative and we are client focused in all that we do. Because we were established for the purpose of public service and not for profit, we measure our success in the impact of our service.
Position Summary
ANSER is seeking an Unmanned Systems Industrial Base Analyst to support the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy (IBP). In this role, you will provide technical and strategic expertise to assess unmanned systems technologies, evaluate industrial base investments, and deliver data-driven recommendations that strengthen manufacturing capabilities, supply chain resilience, and defense modernization efforts. This position may be based at ANSER Headquarters in Arlington, VA, the Mark Center in Alexandria, VA, or via telework within the National Capital Region.
This position requires up to 50% travel.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
  • Serve as the Project Lead for initiatives supporting unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), loitering munitions, autonomous weapons, precision strike systems, and related technologies.
  • Assess the U.S. and allied industrial base supporting UAS manufacturing, propulsion systems, sensors, guidance systems, payloads, and munitions.
  • Evaluate technology maturity, manufacturing readiness, production capacity, supply chain risks, and industrial constraints impacting critical defense programs.
  • Analyze emerging threats and technology trends related to autonomous systems, AI-enabled targeting, swarming technologies, and next-generation kinetic capabilities.
  • Develop acquisition strategies, investment recommendations, and industrial base expansion initiatives supporting unmanned systems.
  • Monitor project execution by tracking cost, schedule, and performance while providing oversight of contract awardees.
  • Coordinate with DoD Components, industry partners, national laboratories, academia, and other Government stakeholders to identify capability gaps and transition technologies into production.
  • Support requirements development, technical evaluations, program reviews, and defense acquisition activities.
  • Monitor domestic and foreign advancements in unmanned systems and recommend actions to strengthen U.S. competitive advantage.
  • Prepare executive briefings, strategic assessments, decision memoranda, Congressional support materials, and other analytical products for senior leadership.
  • Respond to executive taskings and Requests for Information (RFIs), documenting meeting minutes and action items as required.
  • Conduct outreach activities, site visits, and strategic engagements while serving as a trusted technical advisor to Government leadership.

Required Qualifications
  • Active SECRET security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET clearance.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Defense Studies, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of experience supporting DoD acquisition, unmanned systems, defense technology, or industrial base programs.
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of hands-on experience in industrial manufacturing or research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E), including experience with manufacturing production site facilitization or product lifecycle management/engineering.
  • Demonstrated expertise in UAS platforms, autonomous systems, kinetic effects, precision-guided munitions, and Counter-UAS technologies.
  • Experience analyzing defense industrial base capabilities, manufacturing readiness, technology transition, and supply chain resilience.
  • Knowledge of the DoD Adaptive Acquisition Framework, Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process, and defense acquisition processes.
  • Direct experience supporting hardware development or sustainment within a U.S. Military Service, Major Command, Office of the Secretary of War-level organization, or industrial organization (Defense Industrial Base experience preferred).
  • Strong analytical, technical writing, and executive briefing skills with the ability to communicate complex technical issues to senior leadership.
  • Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Defense Studies, or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience supporting the Office of the Secretary of War, Military Services, or Defense Industrial Base programs.
  • Familiarity with the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program, Defense Production Act (DPA), and critical technology initiatives.
  • Knowledge of autonomous systems, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), advanced propulsion, electronic warfare, precision weapons, and emerging defense technologies.
  • DAWIA/Defense Acquisition Workforce certification or equivalent acquisition experience.
  • Experience briefing and advising senior military leaders, including Flag and General Officers.
  • Knowledge of systems engineering, scientific analysis, and program analysis methodologies applied to unmanned systems and advanced manufacturing programs.
  • Experience leading project implementation while managing cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), or equivalent professional certification.
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher with demonstrated process improvement experience.

Individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including but not limited to: business considerations, local market, internal equity, candidate qualifications such as skills, education and experience. ANSER provides employees benefits to support all aspects of their life including health, financial and well-being. For more information, please visit: http://www.anser.org
Full-Time Salary Range for this position:
$119,000-$172,000 USD
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with ANSER, please call 703-416-2000 or e-mail Recruiting@anser.org
ANSER is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We seek individuals from a broad variety of backgrounds with varying levels of experience who have a desire to do meaningful work. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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