ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Manager Unmanned Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Socket.dev

Director of Unmanned Systems

Hoffman, NC · On-site

$180 - $250/hr

This role is responsible for managing all aspects of unmanned systems operations, integration, training, and sustainment to ensure mission success in support of Department of War (DoW), Special ...

Mayvin

Unmanned Systems Integrator

Fort Liberty, NC · On-site

Mayvin is seeking an Unmanned Systems Integrator to support a small, Interdisciplinary Research ... Establish, document, and manage requirements traceability from top-level concepts through ...

Socket.dev

Account Manager, Unmanned Solutions

Tampa, FL · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

We are now a worldwide leader in highly advanced algorithms, waveforms, and communications systems ... Our Business Development Team is seeking an Account Manager, Unmanned Solutions. You would be ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsManufacturing JobsElectronics JobsManager Unmanned Systems Jobs

Manager Unmanned Systems information

See salary details

$46K

$102.1K

$153K

How much do manager unmanned systems jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager unmanned systems in the United States is $102,067.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a manager unmanned systems?

A Manager Unmanned Systems oversees the operations, development, and deployment of unmanned systems such as drones, autonomous vehicles, or robotic platforms. Their responsibilities often include managing teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating projects, and integrating unmanned systems into broader organizational objectives. They also work closely with engineers, operators, and stakeholders to ensure the safe and efficient use of these systems. This role requires strong leadership, technical knowledge, and an understanding of the evolving unmanned systems landscape.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manager unmanned systems?

To thrive as a Manager Unmanned Systems, you need expertise in unmanned vehicle operations, project management, and a relevant engineering or technical degree. Familiarity with industry-standard control software, regulatory compliance tools, and certifications such as Part 107 Remote Pilot or equivalent are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and coordinating with stakeholders. These skills ensure safe, efficient deployment of unmanned systems and successful achievement of organizational objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by a manager unmanned systems, and how can they be effectively addressed?

A Manager of Unmanned Systems often faces challenges such as staying current with rapidly evolving technology, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams. Effective managers address these challenges by fostering continuous learning, maintaining close communication with regulatory bodies, and encouraging cross-functional collaboration between engineers, operators, and analysts. Building strong project management processes and prioritizing safety protocols also help mitigate risks and streamline operations.

What is the difference between Manager Unmanned Systems vs Drone Operations Manager?

AspectManager Unmanned SystemsDrone Operations Manager
CertificationsFAA Part 107, UAV certifications, project managementFAA Part 107, UAV certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field operations, military, commercial sectorsField operations, commercial drone services, government agencies
Industry UsageDefense, agriculture, surveying, delivery, researchMedia, inspection, surveying, agriculture

The Manager Unmanned Systems typically oversees a broad range of unmanned vehicle programs across various industries, focusing on strategic planning and integration. In contrast, the Drone Operations Manager often concentrates on day-to-day drone flight operations, safety, and compliance within specific projects. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Manager Unmanned Systems jobs

What cities are hiring for Manager Unmanned Systems jobs?

Cities with the most Manager 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 Manager Unmanned Systems jobs?

States with the most job openings for Manager Unmanned Systems jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Manager Unmanned Systems jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Manager Unmanned Systems jobs are:

Manager Unmanned Systems jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Unmanned Systems job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,067 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Senior Program Manager - Unmanned Systems (Middle East & North Africa) - Relocation Assistance Av...

Insitu

Bingen, WA • On-site

$121K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

The Senior Program Manager - Unmanned Systemsis responsible forendtoend leadershipandregionalportfolio managementof complex unmanned systems programs (air, ground, maritime, or multi-domain) fromcapturetoproposaldevelopment,engineering, production, deployment, and sustainment. This role owns customer satisfaction, cost, schedule, and technical performance for the portfolio and leads strategic initiatives across the region that drive new revenue opportunities and may also include leadership and management of a team of program management professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Execution:

-Lead planning and execution of one or more complex, multiyear unmanned systemsprograms andregionalportfolioof programs

- Provide strategic leadership and governance for a regional portfolio of complex, multiyear unmanned systems programs

- Manage portfolio scorecardforprogram baselines (scope, schedule, budget)

-Execute program planwith engineering,logistics,operations, supply chain, quality, andfunctionalsupport teamsandidentifyimprovement opportunities

- Proactivelyassessportfolio health (cost, schedule,performance),risks and issues; develop and implement mitigation and recovery plans

- Prioritize resources, investments, and risk mitigation across programs to meet regional growth, margin, and strategic objectives

- Ensure portfoliowide adherence to technical performance, safety, and regulatory requirements (e.g., airworthiness, certification, range/test) and resolve crossprogram integration issues.

Customer & Stakeholder Management:

-Establish and nurture stakeholder relationships with key regional customers and partners

- Oversee customer satisfaction, communications, and contract performance across programs; empower program managers to maintain strong relationships and contractual compliance

- Develop multi-year customer engagement strategies and portfolio-level partnership plans to maximize growth and retention.

- Collaborate with executive leadership to define regional portfolioobjectives, performance targets, and investment priorities

-Consolidateand present integrated portfolio performance, risks, and opportunities to Insitu and Boeing senior leadership

Financial & Contract Management:

- Own portfolioP&L performance, including revenue forecasting, margin, and cash flowprojections

- Develop and manage portfoliobudgets;monitorEVM or equivalent performance metricsasapplicable

- Ensuretimely,accuratereporting and support internal financial reviews

Strategic Planning & Business Growth:

- Develop& deployregional execution strategy in collaboration withGlobalGrowth & Program Managers

- Support capture activities, including customer engagement, solution strategy, teaming, and pricetowin.

-Support proposal efforts: requirements analysis, WBS, schedules, risk registers, and management volumes.

-Identifygrowth opportunities (followon contracts, upgrades, new mission sets) within existing portfolio

- Provide strategic input on product roadmaps for unmanned systems and related services (payloads, autonomy, C2, data services).

-Continuously scan and respond to market and customer trends to identify and shape new opportunities for revenue growth

Team Leadership&ContinuousImprovement:

-Manage programmanagers,supportperformance management, coaching, and succession planningtasks

- Leadportfolioteams;establishpriorities,ensureaccountability, andeffectivecommunicationacrossfunctional IPT

- Mentor and develop program managersin program management best practices

-Champion a culture of safety, quality, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement across all programs in the region

- Drive process improvementsacrossprogram management and lifecycle governance

- Ownexecutionmetrics for unmanned systems portfolio

-Driveswiftdecisionmaking across programs.

- Standardize best practices in planning, execution, and reporting; ensure consistent application by teams

Required Qualifications

-Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field.

- 12+ years of progressive experience in program or project management, with at least8years managing complex aerospace,defenseor unmanned systems programs.

-Demonstratedsuccess managing full lifecycleportfolio ofprograms (concept through deployment/sustainment)

- Proven ability to manage cost, schedule, and technical performance; experience with gated development and phasereviews

- Strong understanding of unmanned systems architectures, subsystems, and mission applications.

- Experience working with government and/or commercial acquisition frameworks

- Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

-Proficiencywith program management tools (e.g., MS Project or Primavera,requirements matrix,risk registers, dashboards).

- Ability to travel asrequired(typically 10-25%).

- Ability to obtain andmaintaina security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

-Master's degree in Engineering, Business (MBA), or related technical discipline.

- PMP,PgMP, or DAU/Defense Acquisition certification (or equivalent).

- Experience with:

- Military or commercial UAS development, integration, and fielding- Acquisition and Services

- Earned Value Management (EVM)

- Agile or hybrid Agile/waterfall development environments.

- Direct experience interfacing with DoD service branchesandinternational defense customers

Key Competencies

- Strategic thinking and ability to translateregionalcustomer needsinto executable plans

- Strong systems thinking and ability to manage technical complexity and integration.

- Decisive, organized, and comfortable operating in fastpaced, ambiguous environments.

- High integrity and commitment to safety, compliance, and mission success.

In-Office Requirement Statement:

This role requires hands-on work on our products/collaboration with on-site teams, and will need to work onsite full-time in Bingen, WA.

Relocation Statement:

This position is eligible for relocation assistance. Visit ourCareers - Insitu page to learn more about our benefits, 9/80 work schedule and flexible work model.

At Insitu, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
Insitu also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability programs and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire.
Please note that the salary information show below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications and work location.

Insitu is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Apply