Aerospace Engineering Analyst

The Opportunity

CACTI is seeking an Aerospace Technologies Analyst to perform and manage the production of various products in coordination with project and program leadership at the National Ground Intelligence Center in Charlottesville, VA. The position will research and exploit key data sources to assess the capabilities of foreign Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Leveraging knowledge of aerospace engineering and UAV/UAS, the analyst will develop analytical assessments of foreign UAV and UAS technologies, including intentions, capabilities, limitations, and vulnerabilities.

• Conduct analysis on foreign fixed‑wing unmanned aircraft systems, specifically engineering analysis and characterization of system design, sub‑technologies, aerodynamic properties, flight performance (e.g., range, endurance, payload), and tactical effectiveness.
• Predict future capabilities and effectiveness based on modifications or evolutionary changes and identify vulnerabilities for exploitation or threat mitigation by U.S. materiel solutions.
• Fully inform and ensure decision advantage across multiple threshold and objective requirements (e.g., Detect & Identify, Track, Defeat).
• Increase threat characterization, signature development, and dissemination throughput to close standing informational gaps based on known and anticipated requirements.
• Determine technical omissions, discrepancies, and reliability of all‑source material by applying known technical constraints on equipment operation or technology application, and extrapolating from established data on foreign equipment characteristics, foreign research and development (R&D), and production capabilities.

• BA/BS degree in Aerospace, Aeronautic, or a similar engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of experience serving in a technical analytical role on DoD‑related programs and projects.
• All‑source intelligence analysis experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated capability producing analytic assessments with experience in unmanned aerial systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Active DoD TS/SCI security clearance is a requirement.
• Ability to conduct analysis and produce comprehensive technical assessments that include independent research and technical writing.
• U.S. military experience is beneficial.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight while maintaining focus on research objectives defined by the client.
• Analytical and/or hands‑on experience with UAV and UAS.

$82,100-$172,400

CACTI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.