Senior Subject Matter Expert– Unmanned Systems

The Opportunity:

• CACI is seeking a highly experienced Part-Time On-Call Senior SME Consultant to provide expert advisory support in the field of unmanned systems, maritime autonomy, advanced technology integration, and theater-level operational employment.

• This role is intended for a uniquely qualified senior technical and operational leader who can advise government customers on the employment, integration, risk, limitations, and mission utility of unmanned and autonomous systems in operational environments.

• The selected consultant will support customer requirements on an as-needed basis, providing senior-level analysis, technical consultation, operational insight, and strategic recommendations related to unmanned systems operating in theater. The position requires the ability to engage credibly with senior government, military, engineering, acquisition, and operational stakeholders.

• This is a part-time, on-call position designed for a nationally recognized expert whose value is derived from decades of direct 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 for unmanned or autonomous capabilities.

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

• Assess the 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 a 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 a 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:

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

Since this position can be worked in more than one location, the range shown is the national average for the position.

The proposed salary range for this position is:

CACI is an 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 any other protected characteristic.