UAS Program Lead

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About the role

Parsons is looking for an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program Lead to join our team! In this role, you will serve as the senior program manager and primary interface to the U.S. Government, responsible for leading contractor support to worldwide UAS operations. You will oversee program performance, staffing, compliance, and delivery while coordinating across government stakeholders, operations teams, and technical support organizations to ensure safe, reliable, and mission-ready UAS capabilities are fielded and sustained.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the overall Program Manager for UAS contract support, with full responsibility for performance, staffing, deliverables, and compliance.
• Act as the primary liaison between Parsons and U.S. Government stakeholders, including Diplomatic Security leadership and program sponsors.
• Lead program planning, execution, and tracking for milestones, budgets, staffing, and audits.
• Manage and supervise the contractor team supporting UAS operations, including operations, logistics, training, and support personnel.
• Establish and maintain program governance, performance metrics, and reporting rhythms.
• Oversee UAS operational support activities, including readiness, sustainment, training, and field support.
• Establish and enforce incident reporting, investigation, and corrective action processes for UAS operations.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, safety standards, U.S. Government policy, and host-nation regulations.
• Support program reviews, executive briefings, and strategic planning with government leadership.
• Coordinate deployments, operational priorities, and support activities across stakeholders and field teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related technical field with 12+ years of experience.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification.
• Proven experience leading U.S. Government operational programs as a program or project manager.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as the senior interface to government stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Experience managing contract performance, staffing, schedules, and budgets.
• Strong understanding of UAS operations, aviation systems, or complex operational technology programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience delivering executive-level briefings and reports.
• Ability to operate effectively in high-tempo, operationally sensitive, and internationally deployed environments.
• Active Secret security clearance required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Diplomatic Security, DoD, or other U.S. Government overseas operational programs.
• Experience managing UAS, aviation, robotics, or ISR-related programs.
• Familiarity with FAA airspace coordination, host-nation flight approvals, and operational aviation governance.
• Experience supporting audits, inspections, and formal program reviews.
• PMP, Agile, or other formal program management certifications.
• Experience leading programs that include operations, logistics, training, and sustainment functions.
• Strong technical background in UAS systems, aviation systems, or networked mission systems.

Pay

Salary Range: $112,200.00 - $196,400.00

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Flexible work schedules
• Holidays