Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) Subject Matter Expert
Overview:
Fairwinds is seeking a Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Subject Matter Expert to join our team and drive mission-critical solutions for defense and homeland security customers. In this role, you will leverage deep technical expertise in C-UAS technologies to support pre-sales engagements, capture strategies, and program execution.
As a trusted advisor, you will collaborate with business development teams to shape winning proposals, deliver compelling technical demonstrations, and ensure successful deployment of advanced C-UAS capabilities. This position requires a unique blend of technical acumen, customer engagement skills, and operational experience to help our clients detect, track, identify, and defeat evolving UAS threats.
Responsibilities:
- Support company pursuit and execution efforts related to Counter-UAS (C-UAS) applications. Serve as the technical subject matter expert for Counter-UAS solutions during capture engagements.
- Translate customer mission requirements into tailored C-UAS system configurations, including radar, RF detection, EO/IR sensors, and mitigation technologies. Support integration of C-UAS solutions into existing defense platforms ensuring interoperability and compliance with DoD standards.
- Develop technical proposals, system diagrams, and cost estimates aligned with DoD and DHS procurement standards.
- Conduct or review performance testing under varied operational conditions to validate detection range, accuracy, and response times.
- Document test results and provide recommendations for system improvements.
- Analyze emerging UAS threats and tactics; recommend countermeasure strategies.
- Stay current on adversary drone technologies and evolving counter-drone techniques.
- Conduct on-site and virtual demonstrations of C-UAS capabilities, including live detection and mitigation scenarios.
- Ensure adherence to airspace regulations, privacy laws, and rules of engagement.
- Prepare and deliver technical presentations to senior stakeholders, acquisition officers, and program managers. Support trade shows, industry events, and customer briefings with hands-on system knowledge.
Basic qualifications:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain a Top Secret
- 10+ years in air defense, EW, UAS/C‑UAS, or closely related mission engineering, military or industry.
- Demonstrated integration of radar/RF/EO‑IR sensors into an operational Detect, Track, Identify, Defeat (DTID) chain and field validation at test ranges.
- Demonstrated understanding of UAS platforms
- Sensor and Detection System Proficiency. Hands-on experience with radar, RF detection, EO/IR sensors, and mitigation technologies used in C-UAS operations.
- Familiarity with CJADC2 concepts and Common Operating Picture integration (e.g., Tactical Assault Kit), multi‑sensor fusion algorithms, and edge compute tradeoffs.
- Ability to produce test plans, reports, and briefings consumable by Federal and/or State organizations.
- Experience with Airspace Security and Aviation Operations
Preferred qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related STEM discipline.
- Experience with AI/ML applications for threat detection.
- Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and cybersecurity compliance.
- Experience with open systems (MOSA/SOSA/CMOSS) and interface definition (ICDs, message schemas, API specs).
- Hands‑on with EW techniques (detection, direction-finding, protocol exploitation, GNSS effects) and effectors.
- Hands-on experience with C-UAS operational deployment.
Location- Targeted recruiting area is in the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida regions. Business Necessity may require travel up to 25%
Compensation- Salary
At Fairwinds, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location and experience. Additional incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full time, exempt position.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance:
Must be eligible to work in the US.
AAP/EEO Statement
Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity