Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems; C-UAS Subject Matter Expert; SME

Position Overview

Cortek seeks a Counter‑Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C‑UAS) Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the Response Portfolio within the Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction Response and Planning (WRP), Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation (ACN), U.S. Department of State, based in Washington, DC (Onsite).

• Provide technical expertise on C‑UAS, including policy, regulations, operational concepts, technology, and international best practices to strengthen foreign government capabilities.
• Support implementation of Counter‑UAS National Action Plans (NAPs) and related national strategies by assisting foreign governments with legal authorities, regulatory frameworks, airspace security, interdiction authorities, and law enforcement coordination.
• Conduct threat assessments, vulnerability analyses, and risk prioritization to support U.S. Government security assistance planning and international engagement efforts.
• Advise partner nations on UAS exploitation methodologies, including forensic examination and technical attribution of recovered UAS platforms to support evidence collection, threat characterization, attribution, and information sharing.
• Evaluate C‑UAS technologies across the full detection, tracking, identification, and defeat (DTID) lifecycle, including RF, radar, electro‑optical/infrared (EO/IR), acoustic, and emerging technologies.
• Analyze current and emerging UAS threats, including Group 1‑3 systems, autonomous capabilities, swarming technologies, GNSS‑denied navigation, payload delivery systems, and evolving operational trends.
• Provide objective, vendor‑neutral technical recommendations regarding C‑UAS technologies based on operational requirements, environmental conditions, and threat assessments.
• Design, develop, facilitate, and evaluate tabletop exercises (TTXs), workshops, senior leader seminars, and scenario‑based discussions supporting international C‑UAS preparedness.
• Develop exercise materials including facilitator guides, participant workbooks, inject packages, evaluation tools, After‑Action Reports (AARs), and lessons learned documentation.
• Coordinate C‑UAS initiatives across the Department of State, U.S. interagency partners, foreign governments, and international organizations to maximize the effectiveness of security assistance programming.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with foreign government officials to promote U.S. operational standards, legal frameworks, and technology adoption for C‑UAS threat mitigation.
• Represent ACN/WRP during interagency meetings, international engagements, and technical working groups by providing C‑UAS subject matter expertise.
• Prepare executive‑level briefings, congressional correspondence, multimedia products, reports, and strategic communications supporting senior Department of State leadership.
• Be prepared for domestic and international travel in support of program activities.

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility and a valid U.S. Passport.
• Master’s degree in Counter‑Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C‑UAS), aviation security, defense technologies, military operations, homeland security, engineering, international security, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supporting the Department of State, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, or other U.S. Government security assistance programs.
• Extensive knowledge of C‑UAS strategy, policy, technology, operational planning, and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience evaluating UAS technologies, conducting threat assessments, and supporting technical or operational C‑UAS programs.
• Experience designing, developing, and facilitating tabletop exercises, workshops, and senior leader engagements.
• Keen knowledge of U.S. legal, regulatory, and policy authorities governing airspace security and Counter‑UAS operations.
• Experience engaging with foreign governments and international stakeholders on security cooperation initiatives.
• Strong analytical, research, and strategic planning capabilities with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience preparing executive briefings, action memoranda,…