C-UAS Program Lead

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Job Description:

The Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Program Lead serves as a technical subject matter expert and program lead responsible for planning, integrating, testing, and deploying C-UAS solutions. This role oversees the full project lifecycle—from requirements definition and vendor engagement through system integration, flight testing, and operational fielding—while coordinating across engineering, networking, and operational teams. The incumbent applies expertise in C-UAS system architecture, payload integration, communications networks, and agile project management to deliver mission-ready capabilities in support of U.S. Government operations worldwide. The position demands strong technical leadership, hands-on systems integration knowledge, and the ability to operate in complex and austere environments.

Job Description:

Specific Responsibilities:

Project & Program Management

• Serve as the overall Program Lead for C-UAS contract support, with full responsibility for performance, staffing, deliverables, and compliance.

• Direct C-UAS technical evaluation, integration, and sustainment managers across Solution Development, Test and Evaluation, Product Management, and Field Support sections, reporting to the government’s Office Chief and Parson’s Autonomous Technology Program Director.

• Act as the primary liaison between the contractor and U.S. Government stakeholders, including Diplomatic Security leadership and program sponsors.

• Ensure contract deliverables, schedules, cost controls, and quality standards are met in accordance with contract requirements and program objectives.

• Works with peer managers to develop budgets, schedules, and plans for annual budgets, spend plans, and planned projects in support of international or domestic operations.

• Establish and manage program governance, reporting rhythms, and performance metrics.

Stakeholder & Government Engagement

• Serve as the single accountable point of contact for government representatives and decision-makers.

• Facilitate regular program reviews, status briefings, and executive updates.

• Coordinate with Diplomatic Security and other stakeholders to align operational priorities, deployments, and support activities.

• Support government leadership with planning, budgeting, and long-range capability development roadmap.

Solution Oversight & Risk Management

• Guides the C-UAS solution roadmap through vendor engagement, capability evaluations, implementing timely systems upgrades, and identifying / resolving capability gaps. 

• Monitors and reports on the progress of planned projects within the program, including significant milestones and any conditions, which would affect project cost, schedule, or performance.

• Present information and briefings to senior managers orally and in writing.

• Mentor and motivate a geographically separated technical team to optimize their performance

• Supervise, manage, and coordinate with peer managers to plan and implement action plans for improved technical operations

• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of C-UAS technical processes, functions and requirements.

• Ensure technical risks, issues, and escalations are identified, tracked, mitigated, and communicated.

• Liaise with vendors for system updates and integration needs.

Education and Typical Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related technical field.

• Proven client-facing experience in technical program management and/or operational systems management.

• Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in program management, systems integration, or aerospace/robotics/UAS programs.

• Candidate must have 15+ years’ experience in personnel management including the ability to manage diverse, multi-functional teams responsible for delivering high-quality technical solutions on time and within budget.

• Demonstrated experience managing programs, aviation systems, or complex operational technology programs.

• Direct experience with C-UAS or counter-drone systems strongly preferred; broader UAS/aviation/aerospace systems integration experience will be considered.

• Proven ability to develop and maintain program plans, schedules, budgets, risk registers, and stakeholder communication frameworks.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government stakeholders, operators, engineers, and support teams across a wide range of technical backgrounds.

• Secret Clearance required

Specialized Knowledge/Skills Requirements

• Strong technical understanding of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including air vehicles, payloads, ground control systems, and communications links.

• Working knowledge of C-UAS detection and mitigation system categories, including radar, RF/spectrum sensing, EO/IR, and kinetic/non-kinetic defeat systems.

• Familiarity with tactical and point-to-point networking (e.g., MANET, microwave/RF backhaul links) and federal spectrum/frequency coordination processes (e.g., NTIA STA submissions).

• Experience developing test plans and executing test and evaluation events to assess system performance against operational requirements.

• Experience leading vendor and OEM capability evaluations to inform technology roadmap and upgrade decisions

• Understanding of configuration management and baseline control for hardware, software, and firmware.

• Proficiency with program management and collaboration tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, JIRA, Confluence, or equivalent).

• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to translate technical and operational performance into executive-level reporting.

• Experience supporting audits, inspections, and formal program reviews in government environments.

Licenses and Certifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification (required)

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent (preferred)

• Certified Scrum Master (CSM / A-CSM) or equivalent Agile certification (preferred)

• INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) (desired)

• UAS OEM or aviation program certifications (desired)

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Full-time, 40-hour workweek with flexibility for mission requirements.

• Travel: Candidates should be willing to travel / TDY away from their home location for up to 30% of a typical work year, potentially to international diplomatic facilities and high-threat environments. Typical deployments are expected to be 7-30 days, however candidates should be willing support deployments up to 90 days in special circumstances

• Physical requirements can include walking, climbing, crawling through small spaces, and standing or sitting for long periods of time.

• Must meet most stringent country medical clearance requirements. Position requires adherence to approved vaccination protocols as determined by location.    

Security Clearance Requirement:

An active Top Secret security clearance is required for this position.​

This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.

The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.

Salary Range: $134,100.00 - $241,400.00

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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