Director of Air Force and Unmanned Systems Strategy

Persistent Systems is seeking a Director of Air Force and Unmanned Systems Strategy who will work directly for the VP of Growth & Strategy. This individual is responsible for developing strategic growth strategies for the Air Force and unmanned systems market space that align with the priority lines of effort established by the VP of Business Development and the Air Force and UxS team. These growth strategies will focus on mid to long-term programmatic efforts that are in development as well as existing programs of record. This position requires engagement with key stakeholders that are focused on the requirements generation and budgeting processes within the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Air Force Life Cycle Management Centers (AFLCMC), and the broader Integrated Air and Missile systems and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) communities. 

Position Responsibilities  

• In coordination with the Air Force team, develop strategic plans of action that support priority business lines of effort, goals, and objectives related to communications modernization, C-UAS integration, and resilient mesh networking for contested environments. Lead those team efforts to action the approved strategy 
• Build winning proposal responses to further strategic efforts including unsolicited white papers, requirements documents, and full proposal responses targeted at Air Force acquisition programs such as Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), Joint Fires Network (JFN) and platform-specific weapon communications requirements 
• Collaborate with the VP of Government Relations to identify and develop shaping engagements that support the Air Force strategic business plan. Identify knowledge and placement gaps in support of priority LOEs across Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Mobility Command (AMC), Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) 
• Increase visibility of "positive use-cases" for Persistent Systems Wave Relay technology with key stakeholders in the Air Force, AFLCMC, and collaborative weapon communities, emphasizing resilient communications in anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments 
• Work closely with the Business Development, Sales, Programs & Contracts teams to achieve long-term strategic outcomes of Air Force programs and efforts that cross other business verticals including joint multi-domain operations initiatives 
• Manage company projects corresponding to key initiatives in the Air Force unmanned systems community, including platform integration pathways for Wave Relay mesh networking on emerging collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) programs 
• Advise and participate (as necessary) in coalitions, partnerships, and trade associations relevant to Air Force modernization, unmanned systems, and edge computing 
• Work with the cross-vertical Vice Presidents of Business Development, Program Management, and VP of Government Relations to align and leverage company messaging for managing narratives around Air Force tactical communications and unmanned systems requirements 
• Where appropriate, manage company relationships and initiatives with key senior Air Force leadership, program executive officers (PEOs), and program managers to ensure consistent messaging and synchronization for Air Force efforts 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's Degree (B.A. or B.S.) required 
• 10-15 years' experience with the US Air Force systems, C-UAS, or communications communities and relevant experience and knowledge of Air Force modernization efforts, AFLCMC, key program offices, and the requirements generation process 
• Experience in collaborating with defense industry partners and think tanks with a footprint in defense, government, or technology is a plus 
• Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certifications from Defense Acquisition University (DAU), particularly Level II in a variety of domains 
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with mid-level and senior executive Air Force leadership, decision-makers, program managers, and policy regulators across acquisition, requirements, and operations communities 
• Familiarity with DoD acquisitions and defense (DoD) regulations, including Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Air Force Instruction (AFI) 63-series guidance, and acquisition Category (ACAT) processes 
• Diplomacy and tact; firm in your convictions but sophisticated in the art of compromise 
• Can thrive in a team environment, while also taking responsibility and leading others 
• Ability to travel 25-30% of the time in the U.S. and the ability to travel internationally on occasion 
• An ability to work to organizational deadlines and KPIs 
• Applicant must have a United States Security Clearance or the ability to obtain a United States Security Clearance 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master's degree in engineering, business, or a related field 
• Prior military service as an Air Force acquisitions officer (63A), Combat System Officers (12RXX), Battle Manager (13XX), or related Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) 
• Prior experience interfacing with Air Force program offices, AFLCMC directorates, major commands (MAJCOMs), and unmanned program leadership 
• Strong understanding of acquisition/procurement processes within the Air Force C4ISR and unmanned systems communities, including familiarity with NETCENTS-2, GSA Schedules, and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) mechanisms 
• Experience with Agile acquisition pathways, Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) authorities, or software-intensive program approaches 
• 5+ years of experience in Sales/Business Development with a demonstrated track record of revenue growth in the defense technology sector 
• Familiarity with Air Force digital engineering initiatives, model-based systems engineering (MBSE) frameworks, and platform airworthiness certification processes 

The base pay for this role can vary from $171,000 to $218,000 a year based on individual qualifications. Eligible for sales incentive compensation plan. Persistent Systems, LLC offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid time off (sick time and vacation time); flexible spending accounts; 401(k) plan with company match; fitness membership reimbursement; tuition assistance; mental health benefits; and pet discounts.

Headquartered in New York City since 2007, Persistent Systems, LLC is a global communications technology company which develops, manufactures, and integrates a patented and secure Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) system: Wave Relay®. The company’s industry leading R&D team has designed wireless networking protocols to support their cutting-edge Wave Relay® system and technology. Wave Relay® is capable of running data, video, voice and other applications under the most difficult and unpredictable conditions. Their suite of products is field proven and utilized in Commercial, Military, Government, Industrial, Agriculture, Robotics, and Unmanned System markets.