Airborne Autonomy & sUAS Technical Advisor

OverviewSystems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted. The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.The Strategic Technology Analysis Group, part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities (people, process & tools) to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support to military services, Secretary of Defense offices (OSD) and theater warfighters. Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration (SAF/SQ), Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), US Space Command (USSPACECOM) and US Space Force (USSF). Come be a part of a high-speed low-drag organization providing unique and tailored solutions for our National Defense!SPA has an immediate need for an Airborne Autonomy & sUAS Technical Advisor.ResponsibilitiesSeeking an experienced candidate to support a fast-paced Department of War (DoW) Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Project. The successful candidate will provide critical technical, programmatic, and acquisition support for an Autonomous Group 3 and below small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T) Program, with emphasis on rapid prototyping and transition to operational users.Program Management Support:Provide dedicated support to an integrated team of civilians, military personnel, and contractors spanning the DoW and Intelligence Community (IC) in the execution of an Autonomous Group 3 and below sUAS ISR&T Program, including executing the acquisition strategy, refining the technical approach, implementing security classification guidance, developing the program transition strategy, and coordinating cross-agency and intergovernmental agreements in alignment with program objectives.Assist the government Project Manager in all phases of the rapid acquisition lifecycle with emphasis on agile software delivery and hardware iteration.Maintain continuous compliance with the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA) to ensure mission autonomy software from vendors is decoupled from hardware and can be integrated, updated, and ported across different physical sUAS Platforms.Develop and maintain project schedules, milestone trackers, and risk frameworks tailored to flight-test events and software-release sprints.Coordinate with Assigned Financial Resource to Track budget execution and performer spending.Prepare project documentation (SOW/PWSs, TRDs, PEPs and Briefing Material).Technical & Integration SupportServe as a trusted advisor and deliver independent technical analysis and oversight, program risk assessment, financial management support, and operational guidance across the entire sUAS and airborne autonomy development lifecycle, from initial capability definition through tactical flight testing, integration, and operationalization.Provide technical oversight on Project's Functional Areas: Autonomy Framework, Human Machine Teaming, Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (APNT), Resilient Communication, Pay Load & Platform Integration, Object Detection & Tracking, Test and Evaluation & Demonstration.Define and manage integration requirements between the airframe, sensors, and the Ground Control Station (GCS). Design and execute technology flight demonstrations, including testing in GPS-denied or RF-contested operational environments.Stakeholder & Vendor CoordinationSupport Group 3 and below UAS acquisition and rapid prototyping efforts by advancing uncrewed technologies and autonomy capabilities to a fieldable prototype level of maturity and facilitating their successful transition to operational DoW entities.Serve as a technical liaison connecting government offices, traditional aerospace Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and agile AI/software vendors.Represent the project office in technical discussions with DoW, IC, and Mission Partners to ensure tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) align with prototype capabilities for supported transition partners.QualificationsRequired QualificationsActive Top Secret (TS) security clearance at time of application with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), Special Access Program (SAP), and Alternative Compensatory Control Measures (ACCM) clearancesBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related discipline, combined with operationally relevant capability employment experience5–10 years of combined experience in unmanned systems, technology prototyping, and/or aviation operationsSpecial Operations Forces (SOF) experience3+ years as SETA supporting sUAS programs, airborne autonomy, Command and Control (C2) systems, or rapid aviation prototyping initiativesExperience with and the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA) and Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA)Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to brief senior government leadershipAbility to work full-time in a Chantilly, VA office environment within SCIF/SAPF spacesAbility to travel approximately 25% to support flight testing, test ranges, and mission partner locations (CONUS and OCONUS)Pay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $175,000.00/Yr. - USD $225,000.00/Yr.Job SummaryID: 2026-23590Category: Engineering & Technical ServicesSecurity Clearance Requirement: Top Secret/ SCIType: Regular Full-TimeLevel: Senior