C-UxS Program Lead

About this role

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!   At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible.   Job Description: The Counter Unmanned Systems (C-UxS) Program Lead serves as a technical subject matter expert and program lead responsible for planning, integrating, testing, and deploying C-UxS 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-UxS 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:   • Serve as the overall Program Lead for C-UxS contract support, with full responsibility for performance, staffing, deliverables, and compliance.

• Direct C-UxS 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.

•   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.

•   Guides the C-UxS 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-UxS 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/UxS 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-UxS or counter-drone systems strongly preferred; broader UxS/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.

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification (required)

• Secret Clearance required

  Specialized Knowledge/Skills Requirements • Strong technical understanding of Countered Unmanned Systems (C-UxS), including air vehicles, payloads, ground control systems, and communications links.

• Working knowledge of C-UxS 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

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