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Manager Unmanned Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KY · On-site

$158K/yr

Understand operating requirements for unmanned systems in spectrum-contested environments and be ... management, piloting Group 1 rotary and fixed. * UAS, build and program FPV Group 1 UAS, additive ...

PWS Title: Senior Subject Matter Expert Countering Unmanned Aerial Systems Location : Fort Bragg ... Background in project management, engineering science, CAD programming, RF theory, basic circuit ...

$198K/yr

Unmanned & Autonomous Systems Engineer, Lead The Opportunity: Are you looking for an opportunity to ... Experience identifying, analyzing, and managing program technical risks and issues across hardware ...

Uncrewed Systems Instructor

MS · On-site

$43K - $57K/yr

... management, pre‑/post‑flight procedures, and integration of unmanned systems into tactical and ... logistics operations * Prepare trainees to integrate unmanned systems into tactical and operational ...

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Manager Unmanned Systems information

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$46K

$102.1K

$153K

How much do manager unmanned systems jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 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 are 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 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.

What are some common challenges faced by a Manager of 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manager Unmanned Systems, and why are they important?

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.
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:
Infographic showing various Manager Unmanned Systems job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,067 per year, or $49.1 per hour.
Unmanned & Autonomous Systems Engineer, Lead

Unmanned & Autonomous Systems Engineer, Lead

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Indian Head, MD • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 58 rated business consultants


Job description


Remote Work:
Hybrid
Job Number:
R0242401
Location:
Indian Head,MD,US
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Additional Locations:
  • Washington, District of Columbia, USA

Unmanned & Autonomous Systems Engineer, Lead
The Opportunity:
Are you looking for an opportunity to combine your technical skills with big picture thinking to make an impact on national security? You understand your customer's environment and how to turn an operational need into a fielded capability. Your ability to lead engineers, set technical direction, and keep development moving makes you the person a program turns to when the mission can't wait. If this sounds like you, come join Booz Allen's team to work on an exciting defense capability program.
As a systems development lead, you will lead the engineering development of the next generation GPS-degraded, semi-autonomous defense capability alongside Booz Allen colleagues, other support contractors, and U.S. Navy personnel. You will own the technical baseline across the development lifecycle, from requirements decomposition and architecture through prototyping, integration, test, and transition to the fleet. You will direct a cross-functional team spanning systems, hardware, software, and autonomy, and serve as the technical interface to the government client, translating mission needs into executable development plans and making the trade decisions that keep cost, schedule, and performance in balance. Your leadership and innovative thinking will be critical to delivering an advanced capability that meets the warfighter's needs.
Join us. The world can't wait.
You Have:
  • 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 DoD weapons systems, ordnance or munitions, unmanned systems, or autonomous platforms
  • 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

Nice If You Have:
  • Experience supporting NSWC, Navy ordnance or energetics, or warfare programs
  • Experience developing systems for GPS-degraded or GPS-denied operations, autonomy or semi-autonomous control, or advanced sensing
  • Experience with rapid prototyping or agile hardware development, including delivery under OTA or other flexible acquisition vehicles
  • Experience integrating systems engineering with test and evaluation strategy, including IEEE 15288.1 and IEEE 15288.2
  • Possession of strong leadership and problem-solving skills
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field
  • INCOSE ASEP/CSEP, PMP, or equivalent certification

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Secret clearance is required.
Compensation
At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.
Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $86,800.00 to $198,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.
Identity Statement
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.
Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.
  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.
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About Booz Allen Hamilton

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Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914