Senior UAS Industrial Base & Strategy Lead

Anser; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 119,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

ANSER seeks an Unmanned Systems Industrial Base Analyst to support IBAS in strengthening manufacturing capabilities and supply chains for DoD programs. The role demands technical depth in UAS and autonomous systems, and strategic advisory capacity for senior leadership.

Based in Arlington, VA, Mark Center, or telework within the National Capital Region, this position requires up to 50% travel and strong collaboration with DoD, industry, and national labs.

Qualifications

• Active SECRET security clearance with ability to obtain TOP SECRET clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Defense Studies, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience supporting DoD acquisition, unmanned systems, defense technology, or industrial base programs.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of hands-on experience in industrial manufacturing or RDT&E, including production site facilization or PLM/engineering.
• Expertise in UAS platforms, autonomous systems, kinetic effects, precision-guided munitions, and Counter-UAS technologies.
• Experience analyzing defense industrial base capabilities, manufacturing readiness, tech transition, and supply chain resilience.
• Knowledge of DoD AAF, PPBE, and defense acquisition processes.
• Experience supporting hardware development or sustainment within a U.S. Military Service or equivalent.
• Strong analytical, technical writing, and executive briefing skills for senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Project Lead for UAS, loitering munitions, autonomous weapons, precision strike systems, and related tech.
• Assess U.S. and allied industrial base supporting UAS manufacturing and related subsystems.
• Evaluate technology maturity, manufacturing readiness, capacity, and supply chain risks.
• Analyze threats and trends in autonomous systems, AI-enabled targeting, swarming, and next-gen weapons.
• Develop acquisition strategies, investment recommendations, and industrial base expansion.
• Monitor project execution: cost, schedule, performance; oversee contract awardees.
• Coordinate with DoD, industry, labs, academia to identify capability gaps and transition tech to production.
• Support requirements, evaluations, reviews, and defense acquisition activities.
• Monitor domestic/foreign advances in unmanned systems; advise actions for competitiveness.
• Prepare executive briefings, memoranda, and supporting materials for leaders.
• Respond to RFIs and document minutes and actions; conduct outreach and site visits.

Skills

Security clearance

Engineering degree

DoD acquisition

Industrial experience

UAS expertise

PPBE knowledge

Hardware development

Executive briefing

Team collaboration

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

ANSER seeks an Unmanned Systems Industrial Base Analyst to support IBAS in strengthening manufacturing capabilities and supply chains for DoD programs. The role demands technical depth in UAS and autonomous systems, and strategic advisory capacity for senior leadership.

Based in Arlington, VA, Mark Center, or telework within the National Capital Region, this position requires up to 50% travel and strong collaboration with DoD, industry, and national labs.