Director of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Robotics – Dayton, OH

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Robotics to lead cutting-edge projects in Dayton, OH. This role offers a unique opportunity to oversee the development and integration of advanced UAS and robotics technologies while working in a rapidly evolving industry. If you have a passion for innovation, leadership, and driving technological advancements in aerospace and robotics, this is your chance to make a significant impact in the future of aviation and autonomous systems.

Drive Technological Advancements in UAS & Robotics

As the Director of UAS & Robotics, you will spearhead the strategic direction and operational execution of a high-impact portfolio. With your expertise in unmanned systems, robotics, and aerospace engineering, you will lead cross-functional teams to develop and deploy next-generation solutions that enhance operational efficiency and safety. Your leadership will shape the future of the UAS and robotics industry, ensuring the integration of state-of-the-art technologies that address the evolving demands of both commercial and defense sectors.

Key Responsibilities of the Director of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Robotics – Dayton, OH

Strategic Leadership & Innovation: Define and drive the strategic vision for UAS and robotics technologies, ensuring alignment with the organization’s long-term goals. Lead the integration of cutting-edge autonomous systems, positioning the company as an industry leader in UAS and robotics solutions. Foster innovation to stay ahead of market trends and technological advancements.

Technology Development & Deployment: Oversee the design, development, and deployment of next-generation unmanned systems and robotics solutions. Ensure that these technologies are scalable, efficient, and meet operational requirements in both commercial and defense sectors. Lead technical teams to overcome engineering challenges and deliver high-quality products.

Operational Excellence: Manage and optimize the operational processes related to UAS and robotics systems. Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing, testing, and operational efficiency, ensuring timely delivery of projects within budget. Implement best practices in system integration, quality assurance, and technical support.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Leadership: Work closely with internal teams such as R&D, engineering, marketing, and business development to ensure seamless integration of UAS and robotics technologies into company offerings. Lead cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment across departments and stakeholders for successful project delivery.

Revenue Growth & Market Positioning: Identify new opportunities for growth, including emerging markets, potential customers, and commercial partnerships. Position the company’s UAS and robotics capabilities to capture new business while expanding market share. Develop pricing strategies and cost-effective solutions to enhance profitability.

Talent Development & Leadership: Build and lead a high-performing team of engineers, technologists, and researchers. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Attract, develop, and retain top talent in the fields of UAS, robotics, and aerospace technologies.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety Standards: Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies and safety standards in the development and deployment of UAS and robotics systems. Stay updated on changes in aviation and robotics regulations, and ensure that all systems meet stringent compliance requirements.

Financial Oversight & Budget Management: Collaborate with senior leadership to manage budgets for UAS and robotics programs. Ensure efficient allocation of resources, with a focus on cost management while maintaining high-quality outcomes. Forecast financial requirements for R&D, production, and market expansion.

Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, defense contractors, and commercial partners. Develop strategic alliances to drive growth and enhance the company’s competitive edge in the unmanned systems and robotics industries.

Risk Management & Cybersecurity: Identify and mitigate operational, technical, and security risks associated with UAS and robotics systems. Ensure robust cybersecurity protocols are in place to safeguard proprietary technology and customer data, protecting the organization from emerging cyber threats.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Director of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Robotics in Dayton, OH, the client is seeking a visionary leader with a strong technical background and proven experience in driving innovation in unmanned systems and robotics. The ideal candidate will possess a unique combination of strategic thinking, technical expertise, and leadership abilities to manage complex projects while positioning the company at the forefront of UAS and robotics advancements.

Proven Leadership in UAS & Robotics

The client is looking for an experienced leader with a robust background in unmanned systems, robotics, or aerospace engineering. You should have a track record of leading high-performing teams and delivering successful projects in these technical domains.

Strategic Vision and Growth-Oriented Leadership

As the Director, you will be expected to craft and execute long-term strategic plans that drive growth and expand the company’s presence in the UAS and robotics markets. The client seeks a leader who can identify new opportunities, manage product lifecycles, and optimize business operations to enhance profitability.

Technical Expertise and Hands-On Experience

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical knowledge of UAS and robotics systems, including design, integration, and deployment. You should have hands-on experience in leading R&D efforts, product development, and system implementation across these advanced technologies.

Ability to Build and Lead High-Performing Teams

Leadership is essential to this role, and the client is looking for a Director who can attract, develop, and lead cross-functional teams of engineers, researchers, and technologists. You should foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation while ensuring high performance.

Strong Financial and Operational Acumen

The client seeks a leader with a strong understanding of financial management, project budgets, and resource optimization in technology development. You will need to make data-driven decisions, manage costs, and ensure the delivery of projects on time and within budget.

Regulatory and Safety Expertise

Given the nature of unmanned systems and robotics, compliance with safety regulations and industry standards is crucial. The client is looking for a Director who can navigate the regulatory landscape, ensuring that all products meet safety standards and comply with aviation and robotics regulations.

Strong Stakeholder and Partnership Management

The ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies, defense contractors, and commercial partners, is essential. The client seeks a leader who can engage with investors, customers, and industry partners to advance the company’s UAS and robotics offerings. Strong communication skills and the ability to represent the company’s vision and capabilities effectively to external audiences will be critical to success.

Commitment to Innovation and Excellence

Lastly, the client values a leader who is committed to continuous innovation and operational excellence. You should be passionate about driving the development of cutting-edge UAS and robotics technologies, ensuring that the company remains a leader in the field while meeting the evolving needs of the market.

FAQs About the Role – Director of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Robotics – Dayton, OH

What are the key responsibilities of the Director of UAS & Robotics in this role?

As the Director of UAS & Robotics, you will be responsible for shaping the strategic direction of unmanned systems and robotics technologies, leading the design and development of next-generation products, and overseeing the successful deployment of these technologies across both commercial and defense sectors. You will manage and optimize operational processes, collaborate with cross-functional teams, drive innovation, and ensure compliance with industry regulations and safety standards. Additionally, you will be expected to identify growth opportunities, maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, and lead a high-performing team of engineers and technologists.

What qualifications and experience are required for this position?

The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in UAS, robotics, or aerospace engineering, with a proven track record of leadership in these fields. A strong technical background in unmanned systems, robotics, and/or aerospace systems, as well as experience managing R&D efforts, product development, and system integration, is essential. The client is seeking a leader with excellent strategic planning, financial management, and operational expertise. A relevant degree in engineering or a related field is required, and a Master’s degree or advanced technical certification is preferred.

What leadership qualities are essential for this role?

The client is looking for a visionary leader with strong strategic thinking, exceptional decision-making abilities, and the capability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a results-driven mindset, and the ability to manage complex projects and technology deployments are critical. You should also have the ability to build relationships with key stakeholders and partners, as well as a deep understanding of unmanned systems and robotics technologies.

What challenges can I expect in this role?

In this role, you will face challenges such as navigating a rapidly evolving technological landscape, meeting the demands of the commercial and defense sectors, managing complex product development cycles, and ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements. You will need to address market competition, cybersecurity risks, and operational efficiency while driving innovation and technological advancements. Balancing long-term strategic goals with short-term execution will also be key.

What is the expected impact of the Director on the company’s success?

As the Director of UAS & Robotics, you will be instrumental in shaping the company’s position as a leader in unmanned systems and robotics. Your leadership and strategic vision will directly contribute to the growth of the UAS and robotics divisions, driving new business opportunities, enhancing operational capabilities, and ensuring technological advancements align with market demands. Your ability to lead high-impact projects and manage a diverse team will be key to the company’s success.

What is the company’s culture and work environment like?

The company fosters an innovative, dynamic, and technology-driven culture. Collaboration, problem-solving, and a commitment to excellence are core values. The work environment encourages continuous learning and professional development, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-departmental cooperation. You will have the opportunity to shape the culture, promote creativity, and drive impactful changes in an industry that is constantly evolving.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Director of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Robotics in Dayton, OH, you can expect a highly competitive compensation package designed to reward expertise and leadership in the advanced technology sector. The remuneration for this role typically includes the following components:

Base Salary
The base salary for a Director in UAS and robotics varies depending on the company’s size, revenue, and market presence. For this role, the annual base salary typically ranges from $150,000 to $250,000, with larger, high-growth companies offering higher salaries.
Performance-Based Bonuses
In addition to the base salary, most compensation packages for this role include annual performance-based bonuses. These bonuses are linked to key performance metrics such as project milestones, technological advancements, revenue growth, and operational efficiency. Performance bonuses can range from 20% to 50% of the base salary, depending on individual and company performance.
Equity & Stock Options
Many companies in the UAS and robotics industries offer equity-based incentives, such as stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or performance shares. These incentives align your compensation with the long-term growth and profitability of the company, potentially offering substantial financial rewards as the company expands and develops new technologies.
Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Some companies provide Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs) that reward leadership for sustained success over several years. These incentives may include stock-based compensation or other performance-linked benefits, ensuring the alignment of leadership with the long-term vision and growth of the company.
Executive Benefits & Perks
In addition to financial compensation, you can expect a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) or pension plans with company contributions
Executive retirement plans
Company-provided vehicles or travel allowances
Executive wellness programs
Expense accounts for business development and travel

Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
For highly qualified candidates, companies may offer signing bonuses or relocation assistance packages. These one-time incentives can range from $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the company’s needs and the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Total Compensation Potential

When considering the base salary, performance bonuses, equity grants, and other incentives, the total annual compensation for a Director in UAS and robotics can range from $200,000 to over $400,000. This could be higher with significant stock options or long-term incentive plans in place, particularly in leading or rapidly growing technology companies.

How to Apply

If you are an innovative leader with a proven track record in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and robotics, we encourage you to apply for the Director of UAS & Robotics role in Dayton, OH. This is an exciting opportunity to lead cutting-edge technology initiatives, drive operational excellence, and shape the strategic direction of advanced unmanned systems and robotics solutions.

To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter outlining your experience in UAS, robotics, and aerospace engineering. Highlight your leadership experience, strategic vision, and technical expertise in developing and deploying unmanned systems. We are particularly interested in your ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive innovation, and manage complex projects across both commercial and defense sectors.

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead in an emerging industry, where you will have the chance to shape the future of unmanned systems and robotics while driving the company’s growth and technological advancements. Apply today to take the next step in your career as the Director of UAS & Robotics in Dayton, OH!

For more information or to explore similar opportunities, visit our UAS & Robotics Leadership Opportunities Page.

Job Category: Aerospace

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Dayton

Director of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Robotics – Dayton, OH