Senior Program Manager - sUAS Autonomy

Position Overview

Lead a pivotal, high-visibility program for U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to define the future of battlefield autonomy. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Program Manager to spearhead the development and integration of a common autonomy architecture for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). This government-owned, open-architecture framework is critical for enabling diverse and complex missions for Special Operations Forces (SOF).

You will be at the center of a fast-paced, innovative ecosystem, directing a team of specialized contractors and collaborating with the nation's top defense technology partners. This role requires a leader with a strong technical background, exceptional communication skills, and a proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder programs from concept to deployment.

Core Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Strategy:

• Provide strategic leadership for the Framework of Autonomous Networked Tactical Open Modules (FANTOM) program, establishing clear goals, milestones, and technical direction in alignment with overarching SOF objectives.
• Direct the execution of core development contracts with key partners, including the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), and manage mission-specific extensions with industry partners through the innovative SOFWERX platform.

Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-Program Coordination:

• Act as the primary point of contact for the FANTOM program, building and maintaining strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including AFSOC, AFLCMC, and AFRL.
• Champion the program to secure and manage funding and ensure development plans are synchronized across SOF mission areas and with other key Program Executive Offices, such as PEO Fixed Wing (FW) and PEO SOF Digital Applications (SDA).

Technical Integration & Execution:

• Oversee the seamless integration of FANTOM autonomy services with critical SOF digital infrastructure, including the PEO-SDA CHAOS software baseline and the ASGARD cloud pipeline.
• Ensure interoperability with key Command and Control (C2) systems like the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) and HACCAr, as well as a variety of sUAS platforms.

Team & Contract Management:

• Lead, mentor, and foster a high-performing, collaborative environment for a dedicated team of government and contractor personnel, including leads for Autonomy Engineering, Software, Data, and Testing.
• Manage program budgets, oversee contract performance, and ensure all contractual obligations and performance standards are met.
• Proactively identify program risks, develop robust mitigation strategies, and facilitate clear, consistent communication with all stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 16 years of demonstrated experience managing complex technical programs, preferably in the domains of autonomy, robotics, or unmanned systems.
• Strong understanding of government acquisition principles, contracting processes, and budget management.
• Experience with agile methodologies and modern software development lifecycles.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams of technical experts, operators, and senior leaders.
• Familiarity with regulations and standards related to autonomous systems.

Desired Qualifications:

• A master's degree in a relevant technical or management field with 8 years proven success managing programs with complex schedules and dynamic, evolving requirements.
• Direct experience with autonomy frameworks, machine learning operations (MLOps), DevOps, and data management pipelines.
• Knowledge of sUAS platforms and their integration into military operations.
• Familiarity with data communication technologies related to encryption, RF radios, and wide/local area networking solutions.
• Experience with simulation and testing environments for autonomous systems.

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