The Vice President, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) leads Astrion's most critical mission: designing, integrating, and delivering next-generation combat capabilities. This role owns the full lifecycle of advanced warfighter systems from problem definition and requirement shaping through rapid prototyping, integration, and operational deployment. 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 leader will transform complex operational problems into deployable, mission-ready systems, lead high-performance teams, and execute missions where success is uncertain but essential.

Responsibilities

Identify 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 integration
Execute programs under rapid acquisition pathways (MTA, OTA, rapid prototyping frameworks)
Lead concept èMVP è operational deployment cycles
Oversee field experimentation, red teaming, and iterative refinement
Deliver capabilities at the speed of relevance, not traditional acquisition timelines
Lead integration of sensors, effectors, and C2 systems into cohesive kill chains
Ensure interoperability across Joint and coalition systems and legacy and next-generation architectures
Integrate into operational environments including systems such as FAAD, TAK, IBCS, and emerging frameworks
Lead deployment of integrated capabilities into real-world operational and expeditionary environments
Ensure systems perform under contested electromagnetic environments, complex terrain and urban conditions, real-world rules of engagement and constraints
Own the “last mile” between technology and combat effectiveness
Maintain deep, trusted relationships from tactical operators to senior Pentagon leadership
Serve as a credible voice for the warfighter in capability development decisions
Influence requirements, funding priorities, and acquisition direction
Build and lead small, high-performance teams focused on solving hard problems
Foster a culture of ownership, speed, and innovation under pressure
Lead efforts where the path is unclear and the probability of success is uncertain
Take on initiatives with uncertain outcomes and high operational impact
Turn high-risk efforts into decisive wins
Operate effectively in environments where requirements are evolving, technology is immature, and timelines are compressed

Requirements

Master’s Degree required (e.g., MBA, M.S., or M.Ed. equivalent)
Bachelor’s Degree required
Operator-first mindset: understands what matters in combat
Builder mentality: creates capability, not just ideas
Fearless execution: takes on hard problems others avoid
Credibility across echelons: respected from operator to senior leadership
Independent leadership: requires minimal oversight, drives outcomes
Relentless focus on mission impact
Senior 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 domains

Nice to have

Professional military education and/or acquisition certification strongly preferred:
DAU Program Management Level III or equivalent
Army Acquisition Corps or equivalent experience
Army Futures Command / Maneuver Center / RCCCTO / CPE Autonomy
PEO Missiles & Space or similar program offices
Joint or interagency task forces (e.g., C-UAS or homeland defense missions)
Software-enabled warfare and agile development approaches