Senior Subject Matter Expert- Unmanned Systems

Job Title: Senior Subject Matter Expert‑ Unmanned Systems

Job Category: Engineering

Time Type: Part time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: Secret

Employee Type: Part-Time On-Call

Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%

Type of Travel: Continental US

The Opportunity

• Senior SME Consultant, part‑time, on‑call; advise on unmanned systems, maritime autonomy, advanced tech integration, theater‑level operational employment.

• Senior technical and operational leader to advise government customers on employment, integration, risk, limitations, mission utility of unmanned and autonomous systems in operational environments.

• Provide senior‑level analysis, technical consultation, operational insight, strategic recommendations as needed for unmanned systems operating in theater; engage credibly with senior government, military, engineering, acquisition, and operational stakeholders.

• Part‑time, on‑call role for nationally recognized expert with decades of experience across Navy advanced technology, autonomy, weapons systems, engineering, program leadership, and operational support.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert consultation on unmanned systems, maritime autonomy, autonomous operations, and theater‑level employment considerations.

• Advise government customers on operational feasibility, technical risk, mission integration, employment concepts, and fielding considerations.

• Support technical exchanges, strategy sessions, design reviews, operational planning discussions, and customer briefings.

• Assess applicability of unmanned systems to real‑world operational environments, including maritime, expeditionary, and theater support contexts.

• Provide insight into technology maturation, transition pathways, acquisition considerations, and operational adoption challenges.

• Participate in surge support, customer‑directed advisory sessions, and short‑duration tasking requiring senior expert judgment.

• Translate complex technical and operational issues into clear, actionable recommendations for senior customer stakeholders.

• Provide independent technical perspective on autonomy, advanced weapons systems, emerging technologies, and operational integration.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, science, technology, defense studies, or related discipline.
• 20+ years of progressively responsible experience in military, government, engineering, acquisition, advanced technology, or operationally focused technical leadership.
• Demonstrated experience with unmanned systems, autonomous systems, maritime autonomy, advanced technology programs, or operational employment of emerging capabilities.
• Experience advising senior government, military, or acquisition stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to support high‑impact customer engagements with limited ramp‑up time.
• Ability to operate effectively in a part‑time, on‑call, consultative capacity.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior leaders.
• Clearance eligibility; TS/SCI eligibility.

Desired:

• Prior senior military, SES‑equivalent, senior civilian, or major command‑level technical leadership experience.
• Experience with NAVSEA, Navy acquisition, maritime systems, autonomy, unmanned systems, advanced weapons, or operational technology transition.
• Experience supporting deployed, theater‑level, or contingency operations.
• Master’s degree in engineering, technology, business, or related field.
• Recognized subject matter expertise in maritime autonomy, unmanned systems, neuromorphic computing, directed energy, advanced weapons, or emerging naval capabilities.

What You Can Expect

A culture of integrity. At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high‑performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust. CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers – every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth. Together we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground – in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range

Proposed salary range for this position is $105,100–$231,100.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic.