Vice President, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS)

OverviewVice President, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS)LOCATION: Huntsville, ALJOB STATUS: Full-timeCLEARANCE: N/ACERTIFICATION: N/ATRAVEL: As Needed Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Vice President, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS). The Vice President, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems leads Astrion’s most critical mission: designing, integrating, and delivering next-generation combat capabilities that work in the real world. This role owns the full lifecycle of advanced warfighter systems from problem definition and requirement shaping through rapid prototyping, integration, and operational deployment ensuring Astrion remains at the bleeding edge of capability development across C-UAS. The position serves as a direct bridge between the warfighter, acquisition community, and emerging technology ecosystem, delivering decisive capability advantage in contested and ambiguous environments. The Vice President handles transforming complex operational problems into deployable, mission-ready systems that deliver measurable battlefield advantage. This leader operates at the intersection of Warfighter need, acquisition execution, and advanced technology integration. They will lead high-performance teams to build capabilities where none exist, integrate systems that were never designed to work together, and execute missions where success is uncertain but essential. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLSEducationMaster’s Degree required (e.g., MBA, M.S., or M.Ed. equivalent)Bachelor’s Degree requiredProfessional military education and/or acquisition certification strongly preferred:DAU Program Management Level III or equivalentArmy Acquisition Corps or equivalent experienceCore Attributes (Non-Negotiable)Operator-first mindset: understands what matters in combatBuilder mentality: creates capability, not just ideasFearless execution: takes on hard problems others avoidCredibility across echelons: respected from operator to senior leadershipIndependent leadership: requires minimal oversight, drives outcomesRelentless focus on mission impactSenior military leadership experience (Army, Agency, or Joint environment strongly preferred), ideally as a former combat arms officer Demonstrated experience in DoD acquisition, capability development, or program management Proven leadership in C-UAS, or air/missile defense systems Experience leading cross-functional teams delivering operational capabilities Direct involvement in fielding or deploying systems into operational environments Demonstrated success in high-risk, high-ambiguity initiatives Deep understanding of Warfighter operations and mission needs, acquisition pathways and constraints, system integration challenges across domainsPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLSExperience with organizations such as:Army Futures Command / Maneuver Center / RCCCTO / CPE AutonomyPEO Missiles & Space or similar program officesJoint or interagency task forces (e.g., C-UAS or homeland defense missions)Background in:Software-enabled warfare and agile development approachesRESPONSIBILITIESWARFIGHTER CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENTIdentify and define critical operational gaps and opportunities across C-UAS and multi-domain operations to include commercial and national infrastructure, allies and foreign mission partners Translate market segment needs into clear, executable capability pathways Demonstrate thought leadership in the conceptualization and development of next-generation systems including C-UxS, IAMD, and payload integrationRAPID PROTOTYPING, EXPERIMENTATION & FIELDINGExecute programs under rapid acquisition pathways (MTA, OTA, rapid prototyping frameworks)Lead concept èMVP è operational deployment cyclesOversee field experimentation, red teaming, and iterative refinementDeliver capabilities at the speed of relevance, not traditional acquisition timelinesSYSTEM-OF-SYSTEMS INTEGRATIONLead integration of sensors, effectors, and C2 systems into cohesive kill chainsEnsure interoperability across Joint and coalition systems and legacy and next-generation architecturesIntegrate into operational environments including systems such as FAAD, TAK, IBCS, and emerging frameworksOPERATIONAL DEPLOYMENT & MISSION EXECUTIONLead deployment of integrated capabilities into real-world operational and expeditionary environmentsEnsure systems perform under contested electromagnetic environments, complex terrain and urban conditions, real-world rules of engagement and constraintsOwn the “last mile” between technology and combat effectivenessWARFIGHTER ADVOCACY & STRATEGIC INFLUENCEMaintain deep, trusted relationships from tactical operators to senior Pentagon leadershipServe as a credible voice for the warfighter in capability development decisionsInfluence requirements, funding priorities, and acquisition directionLEADERSHIP/SHAPING OF ELITE TECHNICAL TEAMSBuild and lead small, high-performance teams focused on solving hard problemsFoster a culture of ownership, speed, and innovation under pressureLead efforts where the path is unclear and the probability of success is uncertainEXECUTION UNDER AMBIGUITYTake on initiatives with uncertain outcomes and high operational impactTurn high-risk efforts into decisive winsOperate effectively in environments where requirements are evolving, technology is immature, and timelines are compressed IMPACT STATEMENTSuccess in this role means:Astrion becomes the go-to organization for solving the hardest warfighter problemsCapabilities move from concept to fielded reality faster than competitorsWarfighters receive systems that work when it matters mostAstrion is recognized as a leader in C-UAS warfare