Senior Subject Matter Expert– Unmanned Systems

CACI International

6d•$105,100 - $231,100•Remote

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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.

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.