Program Manager, Uncrewed Systems / Blue UAS

Job specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Position Summary:

Emerging threats from peer and near-peer uncrewed systems (UxS) have reshaped the character of war, necessitating the development of new solutions at a faster pace. Warfighters require UxS systems today to meet urgent operational needs. The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is using a new and agile process to evaluate new technologies, involve warfighters early in development, and advance the prototyping, iterating and fielding of technologies that can deliver operational advantage at speed.

This position serves as a Program Manager within the Autonomy Portfolio at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), with a specific focus on the Blue UAS initiative and uncrewed systems. Blue UAS accelerates the Department of Defense's access to secure, NDAA-compliant small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) by leveraging the best of commercial innovation.

The ideal candidate brings a mix of military and industry experience, with commercial insight who thrives in a dynamic environment where urgency, creativity, and user-first thinking are critical. This role is not about maintaining the status quo - it's about solving real problems for end users across DoD with rapid, scalable, and secure solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as the lead PM for projects under the Blue UAS initiative and related areas, from problem definition through prototyping, contracting, and transition.
• Identify operational capability gaps through direct engagement with DoD end users and stakeholders.
• Build and lead cross-functional teams including engineers, contracting officers, test partners, and commercial vendors.
• Leverage DIU's Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process and other non-traditional acquisition authorities to deliver solutions at speed.
• Oversee all phases of program execution including technical evaluations, vendor performance, cybersecurity compliance, and stakeholder coordination.
• Represent DIU and the Autonomy Portfolio across DoD and innovation ecosystems to champion adoption of Blue UAS and related solutions.
• Contribute technical insight and programmatic leadership to inform Blue UAS strategy, policy, and portfolio scaling efforts.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to translate complex operational needs into clear, actionable problem statements and solution strategies.
• Demonstrated success leading diverse teams through ambiguity, execution, and transition.
• Comfortable operating without rigid program structures or traditional requirements pipelines.
• Exceptional communication skills - written and verbal - with the ability to brief senior leaders and distill technical detail.
• Current Secret clearance required; TS/SCI strongly preferred.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

This role is ideal for someone who:

• A mix of operational military background and commercial sector experience.
• Track record of delivering tangible outcomes under time-sensitive conditions.
• Bias for action, entrepreneurial spirit, and high tolerance for ambiguity.
• Passionate about solving real-world problems that improve outcomes for the warfighter.

Mission Context:

The Autonomy Portfolio at DIU is the Department's premier hub for accelerating adoption of commercial autonomy technologies. We are focused on fielding trusted, secure, and scalable capabilities that provide strategic impact across all domains. As part of the Autonomy team, you'll work at the leading edge of drone innovation, shaping how uncrewed systems are delivered and integrated across the joint force.

Work Environment:

This position may require occasional travel. The role involves working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with government, military, and commercial partners.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for frequently bending, stooping, sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods of time; most of time is spent sitting in a comfortable position with the opportunity to move about. Occasionally there may be a need to move or lift moderately light items up to 35 pounds. Near visual acuity to review written documentation; ability to hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone; manual dexterity to operate a telephone and keyboard; lift horizontally and vertically.

Work Environment:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job is performed in an office setting with exposure to computer screens and requires extensive use of a computer, keyboard, mouse and multi-line telephone system. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

ADDITIONAL QUALIFYING FACTORS:

As a condition of employment, must pass a pre-employment drug screening, as well as have acceptable reference and background check results.

The Tatitlek Corporation gives hiring, promotion, training and retention preference to Tatitlek shareholders, shareholder descendants and shareholder spouses who meet the minimum qualifications for the job.

As an equal opportunity employer, The Tatitlek Corporation recognizes that our strength lies in our people. Discrimination and all unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment, in employment is not tolerated. We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or employment. We support and obey laws that prohibit discrimination everywhere we do business.