Unmanned Systems Industrial Base Analyst

Company Overview: ANSER enhances national and homeland security by strengthening public institutions. We provide thought leadership for complex issues through independent analysis, and we deliver practical, useful solutions. ANSER values collaboration, integrity, and initiative and we are client focused in all that we do. Because we were established for the purpose of public service and not for profit, we measure our success in the impact of our service. Position Summary ANSER is seeking an Unmanned Systems Industrial Base Analyst to support the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy (IBP). In this role, you will provide technical and strategic expertise to assess unmanned systems technologies, evaluate industrial base investments, and deliver data-driven recommendations that strengthen manufacturing capabilities, supply chain resilience, and defense modernization efforts. This position may be based at ANSER Headquarters in Arlington, VA, the Mark Center in Alexandria, VA, or via telework within the National Capital Region. This position is contingent upon contract award. Day-to-Day Responsibilities Serve as the Project Lead for initiatives supporting unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), loitering munitions, autonomous weapons, precision strike systems, and related technologies. Assess the U.S. and allied industrial base supporting UAS manufacturing, propulsion systems, sensors, guidance systems, payloads, and munitions. Evaluate technology maturity, manufacturing readiness, production capacity, supply chain risks, and industrial constraints impacting critical defense programs. Analyze emerging threats and technology trends related to autonomous systems, AI-enabled targeting, swarming technologies, and next-generation kinetic capabilities. Develop acquisition strategies, investment recommendations, and industrial base expansion initiatives supporting unmanned systems. Monitor project execution by tracking cost, schedule, and performance while providing oversight of contract awardees. Coordinate with DoD Components, industry partners, national laboratories, academia, and other Government stakeholders to identify capability gaps and transition technologies into production. Support requirements development, technical evaluations, program reviews, and defense acquisition activities. Monitor domestic and foreign advancements in unmanned systems and recommend actions to strengthen U.S. competitive advantage. Prepare executive briefings, strategic assessments, decision memoranda, Congressional support materials, and other analytical products for senior leadership. Respond to executive taskings and Requests for Information (RFIs), documenting meeting minutes and action items as required. Conduct outreach activities, site visits, and strategic engagements while serving as a trusted technical advisor to Government leadership. Required Qualifications Active SECRET security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET clearance. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Defense Studies, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field. Minimum of eight (8) years of experience supporting DoD acquisition, unmanned systems, defense technology, or industrial base programs. Minimum of eight (8) years of hands-on experience in industrial manufacturing or research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E), including experience with manufacturing production site facilitization or product lifecycle management/engineering. Demonstrated expertise in UAS platforms, autonomous systems, kinetic effects, precision-guided munitions, and Counter-UAS technologies. Experience analyzing defense industrial base capabilities, manufacturing readiness, technology transition, and supply chain resilience. Knowledge of the DoD Adaptive Acquisition Framework, Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process, and defense acquis…