CUAS Operations Director
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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:
Provides direction and management for medium-to-large-sized projects within a larger program and ensures on-schedule completion within or below budget in accordance with contractual obligations. Responsible for the scope development, scope management, and commercial performance of the project to meet project goals and objectives. Plans and defines program goals and devises methods to accomplish them; develops in-depth knowledge of client objectives, contract terms, and corporate policies. Manages the project execution and coordinates the activities of the various functions supporting the effort as well as overseeing the activities of partners, teammates, or subcontractors as required. Establishes and maintains customer relationships to ensure the Parsons team is regarded as a collaborative partner in meeting the customer’s goals. Fosters collaboration between internal peers on other programs by identifying opportunities for additional work scope delivered by other teams at Parsons. Adapts execution strategy to evolving customer priorities while ensuring that the overall program remains within budget and schedule.
Specific Responsibilities
- Manage multiple large task orders related to Parsons’ role in providing Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) solutions, services, and support to a diverse portfolio of customers.
- Provide functional leadership and regular direction to program-specific operations staff.
- Establish and maintain relationships and act as the company representative to customer peers.
- Directly interact with and manage partner, teammate, and subcontractor execution.
- Represent the customers’ viewpoint and clearly flow down customer goals to the team.
- Lead the detailed planning of new work scope proposed by the customer.
- Manage the execution of planned work through all project lifecycle phases with responsibilities including:
- Ensuring project/product requirements are clearly defined at the outset of the effort.
- Ensuring project technical, financial, and schedule goals are met.
- Promoting technical and commercial excellence on the project through application of Quality Assurance processes.
- Tracking potential issues/risks and executing relevant mitigation plans.
- Steering the team through reacting and resolving unexpected roadblocks.
- Tracking program progress using clear, measurable metrics including Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics.
- Provide regular status to the customer and internal leadership on execution efforts including progress metrics and recommended resolutions or mitigation plans for any issues.
- Effectively collaborate with functional and technical organizations within Parsons to plan, staff, and execute the planned work scope.
- Identify opportunities with current and additional customers for additional work scope for both the CUAS team and the larger Parsons organization.
- Support proposal efforts and other marketing activities as required.
- Brief customers and stakeholders on Parsons’ CUAS capabilities, program status, and strategic direction.
- Partner with Business Development to shape and win new business, contributing to pipeline management and capture strategies.
- Drive the strategic direction of the CUAS business, aligning program execution with long-term organizational goals.
Required Qualifications:
- Ability to obtain suitability for government or commercial customers as required
- 15+ years of related work experience
- The candidate will be expected to travel to customer sites in the NoVA area and to our Summit Point office as needed.
- Ability to maintain a Secret Security Level Clearance
- Previous project management experience on similar or related projects
- Experience leading complex projects for US Government or commercial customers
- Experience preparing and presenting programs for large, complex projects, including WBS generation, cost-estimating, and Earned Value Management (EVM) practices
- Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where rapid results save lives
- Prior lead/leadership experience
- Experience working in high-visibility roles
- Demonstrated experience supporting business development, including proposal development and customer briefings
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable briefing senior customers and stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to drive business strategy and align teams to organizational goals
Desired Qualifications
- Top Secret Security Level Clearance
- Experience with Counter-UAS or UAS programs
- Experience with programs/projects for government or commercial customers
- Familiarity with Agile development practices
- Experience with all phases of the program life-cycle
- PMP or equivalent certifications
- Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent)
- Experience with rapid prototyping and fielding of emerging technologies
- Familiarity with international CUAS markets and export requirements
Security Clearance Requirement:
An active Secret security clearance is required for this position.This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.Salary Range: $157,500.00 - $283,500.00We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.
COMPETITIVE BENEFIT OFFERINGS
Financial Wellness
We care about your financial wellbeing. Parsons offers competitive pay and retirement plans to help you build wealth for the future while giving you the flexibility to diversify your investments.
Work Life Harmony
Balance in life is important and time away from the office is imperative to allow you to refresh and focus your attention on the things that matter to you. Parsons supports your time away by providing paid time off and paid flexible holidays.
Career Development
We are committed to fostering the personal and professional growth of our employees. Develop and advance yourself though our comprehensive training, educational and mentorship programs.
Veteran Support
We provide Industry leading benefits to support veterans and active-duty members to provide security for you and your family by offering robust leave and benefits; including paid active-duty military leave and paid time off when transitioning back to civilian life.
Mind & Body
At Parsons we inspire healthier habits, heathier minds, and a healthier you through our wellness program. Participate in our weekly Meditation Mondays and Wellness Wednesdays. Wellness, at Parsons, is more than just your annual checkup.
Health
Health is not a one size fits all. At Parsons, we offer a robust Employee Assistance Program as well as comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans through large, national carriers with the choice of regional PPO, HDHP, or HMO networks.

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