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

Astrion has an exciting opportunity in Huntsville, AL for a full-time leadership role focused on designing, integrating, and delivering next-generation combat capabilities in Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS).

About the Role

This position leads Astrion’s critical mission of transforming complex operational problems into deployable, mission-ready systems that deliver measurable battlefield advantage. The Vice President serves as a direct bridge between the warfighter, acquisition community, and emerging technology ecosystem, operating at the intersection of warfighter need, acquisition execution, and advanced technology integration. This leader will build capabilities where none exist, integrate systems never designed to work together, and execute missions where success is uncertain but essential.

Responsibilities

• Warfighter Capability Development: Identify and define critical operational gaps and opportunities across C-UAS and multi-domain operations, including commercial and national infrastructure, allies, and foreign mission partners. Translate market segment needs into clear, executable capability pathways. Demonstrate thought leadership in conceptualizing next-generation systems, including C-UxS, IAMD, and payload integration.
• Rapid Prototyping, Experimentation & Fielding: Execute programs under rapid acquisition pathways (MTA, OTA, rapid prototyping frameworks). Lead concept-to-MVP-to-operational deployment cycles. Oversee field experimentation, red teaming, and iterative refinement. Deliver capabilities at the speed of relevance, not traditional acquisition timelines.
• System-of-Systems Integration: Lead integration of sensors, effectors, and C2 systems into cohesive kill chains. Ensure interoperability across Joint and coalition systems, legacy and next-generation architectures. Integrate into operational environments, including systems such as FAAD, TAK, IBCS, and emerging frameworks.
• Operational Deployment & Mission Execution: Lead deployment of integrated capabilities into real-world operational and expeditionary environments. Ensure systems perform under contested electromagnetic environments, complex terrain, urban conditions, and real-world rules of engagement. Own the “last mile” between technology and combat effectiveness.
• Warfighter Advocacy & Strategic Influence: 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.
• Leadership/Shaping of Elite Technical Teams: 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.
• Execution Under Ambiguity: 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

• Education: Master’s Degree required (e.g., MBA, M.S., or M.Ed. equivalent). Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Professional Experience: 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.
• Core Attributes (Non-Negotiable):
  • 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.
• Certifications (Preferred): Professional military education and/or acquisition certification, such as DAU Program Management Level III or equivalent. Army Acquisition Corps or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with organizations such as Army Futures Command, Maneuver Center, RCC CTO, CPE Autonomy, PEO Missiles & Space, or similar program offices. Joint or interagency task forces (e.g., C-UAS or homeland defense missions).
• Background in software-enabled warfare and agile development approaches.
• Deep understanding of warfighter operations and mission needs, acquisition pathways and constraints, and system integration challenges across domains.

Impact

Success in this role means:

• Astrion becomes the go-to organization for solving the hardest warfighter problems.
• Capabilities move from concept to fielded reality faster than competitors.
• Warfighters receive systems that work when it matters most.
• Astrion is recognized as a leader in C-UAS warfare.