Autonomous Warfare Program Lead | Prototyping to Production

Riverside Research; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverside Research is seeking a Program Manager for the autonomous warfare program supporting the DIU. The role emphasizes turning warfighter needs into executable programs and moving commercial tech from discovery to operational use.

This position requires autonomy, strategic thinking, and coordination across operators, engineers, contracting, and industry partners. Candidates should have advanced DoD acquisition insight and a track record of leading complex programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years in related fields with a Bachelor's degree, 8 years with a Master's, or a PhD with 5+ years.
• Experience in at least two areas: military operations, commercial technology, DoD acquisition, technical program management, autonomy, robotics, or AI.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary programs with outcomes, schedules, budgets, risks, and senior stakeholders.
• Ability to operate in ambiguous environments and make decisions with incomplete information.
• Strong written and verbal communication bridging operational, technical, and acquisition communities.
• Current TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Translate complex needs into clear statements, objectives, and acquisition strategies.
• Identify and assess commercial technologies for DoD needs.
• Lead multidisciplinary programs with operators, engineers, and vendors.
• Manage outcomes, schedules, budgets, risks, and dependencies.
• Develop competitive solicitation, prototyping, and contracting strategies.
• Design operational assessments with credible end-user feedback.
• Work with vendors to resolve barriers across technical and contractual aspects.
• Develop transition strategies from prototypes to fielded programs.
• Communicate status, risks, and decisions to senior stakeholders.
• Build partnerships across Services, combatant commands, and industry.

Skills

Military operations

Commercial technology

DoD acquisition

Technical program management

Autonomy

Robotics

Artificial intelligence

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

Riverside Research is seeking a Program Manager for the autonomous warfare program supporting the DIU. The role emphasizes turning warfighter needs into executable programs and moving commercial tech from discovery to operational use.

This position requires autonomy, strategic thinking, and coordination across operators, engineers, contracting, and industry partners. Candidates should have advanced DoD acquisition insight and a track record of leading complex programs.