Unmanned Systems Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities
Noblis is seeking talented professionals across multiple disciplines to support a growing federal unmanned systems (UXS) and counter-unmanned systems (CUXS) Test & Evaluation (T&E) program. This program evaluates emerging technologies from concept to TRL7 to support defense and homeland security mission-ready capabilities. This program will execute numerous test events annually across geographically dispersed sites, assessing UXS/CUXS modalities in collaboration with multiple federal agencies. This is a high-tempo, mission-driven environment requiring strong project management, T&E experience, technical depth, and the ability to lead planning and execution of complex T&E efforts in coordination with government stakeholders.
At Noblis and Noblis ESI, we have excellent teams of smart, collaborative, proactive experts and professionals. We are actively seeking personnel with experience, vision, commitment, and integrity to join our team and directly contribute to advancing the nation's counter-unmanned systems capabilities. At Noblis, we pride ourselves on our support of technology and operational solutions that enhance our nation's security and resilience.
Description
Noblis is seeking Subject Matter Experts across multiple technical disciplines to support a federal unmanned systems (UXS) and counter-unmanned systems (CUXS) Test & Evaluation program. This program evaluates emerging technologies across unmanned and counter-unmanned modalities. While initial work will focus on aerial systems (UAS / CUAS) the program will expand into other autonomous domains.
The program executes an aggressive schedule of multi-day/week hardware test events across geographically dispersed test sites. SMEs provide the technical backbone for these evaluations, planning and executing technical assessments, data analysis, recommendations, and formal deliverables to support federal decision-makers on technology readiness, operational suitability, and transition potential across multiple mission sets. These positions span multiple engineering and technical discipline, building a team whose combined expertise covers the breadth of technical challenges. No single hire is expected to cover all areas.
The team skills collectively span: Electrical Engineering, RF / Spectrum / Radar Engineering, Systems Engineering, Geospatial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Computer Science / Architecture to provide technical expertise spanning all areas of unmanned systems across aerial, ground and maritime domains.
Role Focus: These roles are intended for technical engineers and scientists who enjoy digging and translating field assessments into credible metrics, analyzing test results and translating findings into decision-ready recommendations.
This work is performed on client site in Washington, DC or at remote sites as required, in accordance with the requirements of the contract. Applicants must be located within the National Capital Region.
Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise to test directors and federal program teams across all technical aspects of UXS / CUXS test events.
• Conduct technical assessments of emerging unmanned and counter-unmanned technologies that evaluate performance, capabilities, limitations, and operational suitability.
• Perform data analysis on test results, including developing models to analyze performance across potential concepts of operations, geospatial analysis and other approaches to inform decision makers.
• Collaborate with test directors, operations specialists, systems engineers, program managers and logistics staff to ensure test events achieve technical objectives.
• Develop recommendations and deliverables that provide actionable guidance to federal stakeholders.
• Support development of T&E frameworks, evaluation methodologies, and technical standards for the program.
• Ensure test events are designed and executed to accurately evaluate technologies against requirements, including defining technical evaluation criteria, test methodologies, data collection requirements, and measures of effectiveness/performance (MOEs/MOPs).
• Assess technology compliance with relevant open architecture standards for autonomous sensor integration, networked sensor fusion, and multi-system interoperability.
• Evaluate system interoperability across multi-vendor environments including data exchange, interface compliance, and integration with Command and Control/Common Operating Platforms.
• Apply knowledge of federal acquisition and T&E processes to ensure evaluations align with acquisition decision points and operational needs.
• Provide technical input to inform requirements development, capability gap analysis, and technology transition recommendations.
• Document findings, lessons learned, and technical recommendations.
• Proactively identify technical risks, capability gaps, and emerging issues, alerting program leadership with recommended courses of action.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Field Mobility: Ability to walk and stand for extended periods (up to 4-8 hours) while conducting site assessments, inspections, or equipment evaluations on varied terrain including paved surfaces, gravel, and uneven ground.
• Driving: Requires a valid driver's license and the ability to operate a motor vehicle for travel to field locations.
• Travel: This position requires travel up to 30% of the time, including to remote or austere field locations with limited amenities. Work may occur in outdoor environments subject to varying weather conditions.
• Work Environment: May include exposure to outdoor elements, industrial or construction-adjacent settings, and environments with limited infrastructure.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship required.
• Active SECRET security clearance.
• Successfully pass U.S. Government Agency background investigation/verification and receive a successful final suitability determination.
• Demonstrated technical depth and test and evaluation experience in at least one of the listed disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct test and evaluation activities, including designing, developing, and executing test events that ensure independent technical analysis and generation of data to support test metrics.
• Demonstrated ability to draft test and evaluation plans.
• Demonstrated experience providing clear, actionable written recommendations to federal partners.
• Demonstrated experience in providing data-based recommendations to support acquisition decisions and operational deployment in the law enforcement and defense/homeland security mission space.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to distill test and evaluation activities to communicate complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences in both written and oral communication.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; Proactive, solution-oriented, with exceptional time management skills.
• Must be able to work in the Washington D.C. National Capital Region sites when required by the client.
• Ability to travel up to 30%.

Educational and Experience Requirements
Expert - level

• Advanced degree in electrical engineering, computer science, systems engineering, cybersecurity, geospatial science, mechanical engineering, physics, or related technical field with 10 + years of relevant experience; OR more than 15 years of specialized experience in these fields
• Demonstrated expert-level knowledge of interoperability standards and autonomous sensor architectures, or similar in your technical area related to unmanned systems (e.g., autonomous sensor integration, interoperability, payload integration, electronic warfare, cybersecurity, etc.).
• Compensation: $115,500 - $180,525

Senior-level

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, systems engineering, cybersecurity, geospatial science, mechanical engineering, physics, or related technical field with 10 years of relevant experience; OR Advanced degree with 5 years of relevant experience. In lieu of a degree, 15 years of direct and relevant technical experience in their discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with federal acquisition frameworks and systems engineering/T&E lifecycle.
• Demonstrated expert-level knowledge of interoperability standards and autonomous sensor architectures, or similar in your technical area related to unmanned systems (e.g., autonomous sensor integration, interoperability, payload integration, electronic warfare, cybersecurity, etc.).
• Compensation: $95,500 - $149,200

Junior-level

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, systems engineering, cybersecurity, geospatial science, mechanical engineering, physics, or related technical field with 1-5 years of relevant experience.
• Exposure to federal T&E programs, defense/homeland security technology evaluation, or related work preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with at least one relevant interoperability or sensor integration standard.
• Compensation: $78,900 - $ 123,300

Desired Qualifications

• Active TS//SCI clearance.
• Experience testing and evaluating UAS/CUAS technologies including DTIM systems.
• Familiarity with relevant interoperability standards.
• Knowledge of system-of-systems interoperability assessment methodologies.
• Familiarity with open architecture standards for autonomous sensor integration and networked sensor fusion.
• Experience performing RF spectrum analysis, radar performance evaluation, or electronic warfare assessment.
• Experience assessing cybersecurity posture of unmanned platforms (hardware, firmware, software, communications links).
• Experience integrating or evaluating systems against common operating picture platforms.
• DAWIA certification in T&E, Systems Engineering, or Engineering.
• INCOSE CSEP/ASEP, CISSP, or other relevant professional certifications.
• Experience supporting technology transition from T&E to operational deployment.
• Prior defense, military or federal law enforcement experience with unmanned systems.

Overview
Overview
Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD, take on some of the nation's toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to our customers' most critical missions. We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded in objectivity and collaboration, ensuring our work creates lasting impact across federal missions.
We work with a broad range of government agencies in the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. Learn more and find opportunities at careers.noblis.org
Why Work at Noblis
At Noblis, we share a passion for excellence and innovation, and we create an environment where people can do meaningful work while maintaining the balance that keeps them energized and fulfilled. We seek out individuals with a natural curiosity and desire to collaborate and learn. We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we consistently seek exceptionally skilled, mission-driven professionals who care deeply about doing work that enriches lives and makes our nation safer.
Noblis has earned numerous workplace awards for our culture, our commitment to employee well-being, and our dedication to meaningful, impactful work. We also maintain a drug-free workplace.
Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us.
EEO is the Law | E-Verify | Right to Work
Total Rewards
At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, 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, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.
Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it's just one component of Noblis' total compensation package.
Posted Salary Range
USD $78,900.00 - USD $180,525.00 /Yr.