Director Unmanned Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Full Time 58 West Bethesda, MD, Bethesda, MD, US

8 days ago Requisition ID: 2182

Salary Range: $180,000.00 To $200,000.00 Annually

We are seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Engineer / Technical Innovation Advisor to lead the development and transition of innovative electrical and electronic technologies for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). This role combines deep technical expertise with strategic innovation, supporting the identification, maturation, integration, and deployment of advanced technologies that enhance naval unmanned system capabilities.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished engineer with a proven record of designing, developing, testing, and integrating electrical and electronic systems for maritime and or autonomous platforms.

• Provide technical leadership in the design, development, integration, and testing of advanced electrical and electronic systems for UUV and AUV platforms.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor, helping transform emerging technologies into operational capabilities while collaborating with government, industry, and research partners.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to develop innovative solutions that improve mission effectiveness, platform performance, and operational capability.
• Lead the development of technical concepts, system architectures, and electrical designs supporting next-generation unmanned maritime systems.
• Develop and refine system, subsystem, and component-level requirements for innovative technologies and capabilities.
• Support end-to-end system integration activities, including hardware, power systems, sensors, communications, payloads, and vehicle control electronics.
• Plan and oversee laboratory, environmental, integration, and field testing to validate electrical system performance and operational readiness.
• Provide technical oversight throughout the product lifecycle, from concept development through prototype demonstration and operational transition.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams including mechanical, software, systems, controls, and autonomy engineers.
• Advise leadership on technology roadmaps, risk reduction strategies, and innovation opportunities aligned with Navy mission needs.
• Support proposal development, technical presentations, customer engagements, and strategic technology planning.
• Interface with government stakeholders, research laboratories, universities, and industry partners to accelerate technology transition.

• Must be a US citizen.
• Must have an active secret clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline and 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in electrical or electronic system design and development.
• Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, developing, and testing electrical and electronic components and subsystems.
• Proven experience integrating electrical systems into UUV, AUV, or other complex autonomous maritime platforms.
• Experience developing system requirements, interface requirements, and technical specifications for advanced technologies.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and multidisciplinary system integration.
• Experience supporting prototype development, technology maturation, and transition into operational capability.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to engineering teams, program leadership, and government customers.
• Successful background and drug screening.

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline and 8+ years of progressive engineering experience in electrical or electronic system design and development.
• Direct experience working with the U.S. Navy on UUV, AUV, or other naval unmanned system programs.
• Demonstrated success transitioning emerging technologies from research and development into deployable operational solutions.
• Experience creating innovative capabilities through the integration of advanced sensors, power systems, communications, autonomy hardware, or electronic subsystems.
• Familiarity with Navy acquisition processes, technology transition initiatives, and rapid prototyping efforts.
• Experience supporting organizations such as Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC), Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), Office of Naval Research (ONR), or Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC).
• Experience with maritime environmental qualification, reliability testing, and operational field demonstrations.
• Knowledge of model-based systems engineering (MBSE), digital engineering practices, or systems architecture development.

• Electrical power distribution and management.
• Embedded electronics and control systems.
• Sensor integration and payload development.
• Underwater communications and networking.
• Vehicle electronics and mission systems.
• Hardware integration and verification.
• Environmental and qualification testing.
• Systems engineering and requirements development.
• Prototype development and technology transition.
• Maritime autonomy and unmanned systems.

• Innovative, strategic thinker with a passion for advancing naval capabilities.
• Strong technical leadership and mentoring skills.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex engineering challenges.
• Collaborative mindset with experience working across multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to balance technical excellence with mission execution and customer priorities.

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The majority of the time is spent in an office setting.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance, vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

Founded in 1988 by Ret. Col. Jack L. Ezzell Jr., Zel Technologies is a trusted leader in national security, providing comprehensive research, development, engineering, and operational support to the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and federal agencies. Originally focused on leveraging operational and software expertise to improve time-critical targeting capabilities for the military, the company advanced its capabilities to provide scientific and HUMINT expertise for CBRNE collection and analysis. In the wake of 9/11, Zel Technologies rapidly expanded its capabilities to provide turnkey ISR support services to US Special Operations Forces (SOF), as well as advanced technical and operational intelligence, physical and data science, and engineering support services to the greater Intelligence and SOF Communities supporting global counterterrorism and CWMD operations.

Today, Zel Technologies remains at the forefront of intelligence missions, advancing CWMD and global counterterrorism efforts, while also addressing emerging threats posed by near-peer adversaries. Our team remains committed to delivering adaptive, innovative, and cost-effective solutions across multiple domains, in alignment with the mission priorities of the U.S. Government and its partner nations.

Through our commitment to innovation and quality, our skilled teams deliver robust, technology driven solutions and insights that empower our customers to overcome complex challenges and achieve their mission objectives.

ZelTech team members represent a wide range of backgrounds, skills, experience, and personalities bound together by common objectives and mutual respect. You will join a caring community of professional, including many military veterans who challenge and support each other in seeking the right solutions to important matters.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k immediate vesting with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account with company contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bonuses for performance
• Educational assistance and special training programs
• Voluntary benefits (accidental, critical illness, whole life)
• Group life insurance (Company paid)
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance (Company paid)
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday Leave, Jury Duty, and Military Leave
• Health and fitness reimbursement
• Employee discounts on various services and products

ZelTech is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, military status, genetic predisposition, or any other basis protected by law.