Senior sUAS Autonomy & Airborne Tech Advisor

Systems Planning & Analysis, Inc.; Chantilly, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) seeks an Airborne Autonomy & sUAS Technical Advisor in Chantilly, VA to support a fast-paced RDT&E program for Group 3 and below sUAS ISR&T initiatives.

You will provide critical technical, programmatic, and acquisition guidance from definition through flight testing and transition to operations. The role requires TS clearance, 3+ years in airborne autonomy and rapid prototyping, and the ability to collaborate with government, OEMs, and AI/software

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret (TS) clearance with eligibility for SCI/SAP/ACCM clearances.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or related discipline with relevant experience.
• 5–10 years of combined experience in unmanned systems, technology prototyping, and/or aviation operations.
• SOF experience 3+ years supporting sUAS programs, airborne autonomy, C2 systems, or rapid aviation prototyping.
• Experience with Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA) and Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to brief senior government leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide program management support for an integrated civilian/military/contractor team spanning DoW and IC in an autonomous sUAS ISR&T program, including acquisition strategy and transition planning.
• Deliver independent technical analysis, program risk assessment, financial management support, and operational guidance across the sUAS development lifecycle.
• Coordinate with DoW, IC, and mission partners to ensure TTP alignment and successful prototype transitions to operational DoW entities.

Skills

Unmanned systems

Technology prototyping

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s in Engineering/Robotics/CS

Job description

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) seeks an Airborne Autonomy & sUAS Technical Advisor in Chantilly, VA to support a fast-paced RDT&E program for Group 3 and below sUAS ISR&T initiatives.

You will provide critical technical, programmatic, and acquisition guidance from definition through flight testing and transition to operations. The role requires TS clearance, 3+ years in airborne autonomy and rapid prototyping, and the ability to collaborate with government, OEMs, and AI/software