By Light Professional IT Services is seeking an experienced military leader to join our Joint Venture Halo Aeronautics, LLC in the Virginia Beach, VA area. Strong leadership, management and interpersonal skills are essential. Technical background in IT, military tactical communications, and software is desired but more important will be strong leadership and interpersonal skills. A willingness to learn about the military potential and application of small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) is essential. Experience in Special Operations and/or experience leading tactical conventional military operations involving small UAS is preferred. Familiarity with electronics manufacturing, assembly and supply chain management is necessary. A can-do, mission-focused attitude and willingness to jump in and accomplish whatever tasks need to be accomplished in a fast growing organization is mandatory. Ability to self-manage and operate independently with little guidance is essential.

The ideal candidate is hardworking, competitive, and driven to succeed with a natural sense of urgency with ability to integrate into a highly innovative, fast-moving small UAS company with matrixed leadership dynamics. A self-starter with a reputation for being an effective team player and team leader who proactively looks to improve and add efficiency to current processes. Exercises sound judgment in the decision-making process with a collaborative goal to provide consistent customer service. This position is envisioned as the first of many in a quickly growing business, so candidate must have willingness and ability to lead a team through its growth.

This full time position is based in By Light’s partner’s facility in Virginia Beach, VA. Typical workday involves working closely with the partner company’s leaders and personnel to manage supply chain and assist with assembly and delivery of UAS and related systems in Virginia Beach as well as managing supply chain requirements from Bill of Materials (BOM) preparation, to ordering and inventory tracking and management using Deltek software in cooperation with By Light purchasing team located in Florida.

Must be willing to travel to customer locations, trade shows and corporate offices when required (likely less than 25% travel). Potential for OCONUS travel possible.

Responsibilities:

• Manage supply chain and inventory valued at approximately $100,000.
• Operate Deltek Costpoint software.
• Provide leadership to self and growing team.
• Professionally communicate, collaborate with partner company leaders and team members; accomplish a wide variety of tasks as mission requires.
• Coordinate and troubleshoot technical issues with UAS parts suppliers and customers.
• Familiar and conversant with military and SOF operational terminology.
• Ability to translate broad guidance to achieve results, working independently for days or weeks.
• Quickly and flexibly adapt to changing requirements and conditions.
• Duties require occasional surge hours including late nights and weekends to meet customer delivery and support.
• Routine hours are at Virginia Beach VA, with occasional travel to CONUS locations, including on military installations. OCONUS travel possible.
• Flexibility to perform other unforeseen duties as assigned.

Required Experience/Qualifications:

• Extensive small unit leadership including managing training schedules and leading training to achieve standards.
• Knowledge and experience with electronics, radio communications, IT systems, cloud network technologies and protocols.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems as well as identify deficiencies and promote solutions to accomplish mission.
• Must be comfortable working in a multi-vendor environment and integrating best of breed solutions.
• Ability to work full time in Virginia Beach, VA.
• Flexibility to work extended-hours and weekends to support mission accomplishment.
• Self-starting individual with the ability to work independently on issues with minimal supervision.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills and a strong customer focus.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications:

• 15-20 years military service
• Special Operations Team leadership
• Military small UAS operations, maintenance and/or piloting.
• Drone hobbyist with experience assembling drones.
• Deltek Costpoint experience or willingness to become proficient
• Active SECRET clearance or ability to obtain a clearance
• Strong understanding of software-defined radios and networking technologies.
• Strong secondary experience in any of the following areas:
  • Machine learning / AI.
  • RF and SATCOM communications in degraded or denied environments.
  • Frequency Management.
  • Supply chain and logistics.

• Active SECRET clearance or ability to obtain a clearance