Launcher Technical Lead

501739 Technical Lead – Weapons Integration & Launched Effects (MEL & LEDGR)

Location: Huntsville, AL (Redstone Arsenal)

Schedule: Full Time

Position Overview

PM UAS is seeking a highly qualified Launcher Technical Lead to oversee engineering, integration, and qualification activities for two critical product lines: the Modular Effects Launcher (MEL) and the Launched Effects Dispenser for Ground and Rotorcraft (LEDGR). The selected candidate will operate with minimal supervision and will lead multidisciplinary engineering teams responsible for the development, integration, verification, qualification, production, fielding, and sustainment of carriage systems and launcher systems across Army rotorcraft and ground platforms. This role requires deep experience in weapons integration, launched effects (LE), airworthiness processes, interface standards, and system-level engineering within Army Aviation. Experience with ground platform qualification is highly desired.

Job Responsibilities:      

• Lead technical teams responsible for development, integration, qualification, production, modification, fielding, and sustainment of MEL and LEDGR systems.
• Serve as an SME for the Modular Effects Launcher (MEL) and the Launched Effects Dispenser for Ground and Rotorcraft (LEDGR), working closely with the LEDGR Lead Systems Integrator to ensure technical and programmatic continuity as the gaining transition partner.
• Manage product development and integration activities across multiple organizations: Maneuver Air Directorate, PAE Fires, PM Apache, UHPO, and Various Labs, ensuring alignment of technical objectives, schedules, and system requirements.
• Develop, derive, and validate system requirements for airborne and ground‑based launched effects systems.
• Serve as subject matter expert for weapons integration, armament systems, and launched effects on rotorcraft and ground platforms.
• Author, update, and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Develop, review, and approve Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), including creation of CDRL requirements, technical responses, and approvals within TopVue and Windchill.
• Assist in the preparation Statements of Work (SOWs), technical evaluations, program acquisition strategies, risk assessments, and mitigation plans.
• Participate in technical reviews including SRR, SFR, PDR, CDR, MRR/PRR, and SVR.
• Support airworthiness activities including Airworthiness Qualification Plans/Specifications, Airworthiness Impact Statements, and coordination for Airworthiness Release.
• Support ground qualification processes, including environmental, mechanical, safety, and platform‑specific certification.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders, contractors, suppliers, and partner organizations, including evaluating proposals and monitoring supplier performance.
• Lead quarterly stakeholder engagements, at the O-5 level, to provide status of the LEDGR and ensure alignment with dependent products and systems.
• Prepare and deliver detailed technical briefings and written reports to PM leadership and senior Army stakeholders for each assigned project.
• Ensure program plans, milestones, and performance metrics are achieved across cost, schedule, and technical areas.

• Must be able to commit to job related travel less than 25%
• Must hold or be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level security clearance

Education and General Experience: 

• Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline (Software, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.) desired, with at least ten (10) years of experience in program execution from concept design to platform integration with Airworthiness Release.
• Candidates must have a good knowledge of the Apache helicopter and/or other US Army Aviation rotary-wing platforms and must be highly motivated, a self-starter and be able to handle multiple tasks.
• Candidates should possess experience with launcher systems and associated ground and rotary‑wing small‑arms, rockets, and missile integration across PEO AVN and ground platforms, including systems such as 2.75 SMART Rockets, Hellfire, JAGM, and Spike NLOS.
• An ideal candidate will have design and integration experience with weapons on aircraft platforms and be familiar with general Avionics architecture design.
• Candidates should be familiar with flight test techniques and data analysis of weapons separation, carriage, and integration on military aircraft platforms.
• Requires expertise in the airworthiness process for hardware and software, e.g. MIL-STD and civil processes, qualification process (military and civil airspace qualification processes, component qualification, system qualification, and flight qualification).
• The individual must demonstrate the character and temperament to work within the Government/contractor program office team, external stakeholders, and industry partners, to facilitate platform integration requirements and resolve associated functional and performance issues.
• Understands requirement generation and subsequent validation/verification.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and energetic environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with a proven ability to brief programmatically, strategically, and technically to senior leadership.
• Demonstrated understanding of weapon/carriage system interface standards (MIL‑STD‑1760, MIL‑STD‑8591, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1289, etc.)