CTP is a privately held small business based in Herndon, VA. We provide program management services for government and private clients and deliver technical assistance programs in over 80 countries around the world. CTP provides specific solutions or full lifecycle support, including course and curriculum design, expert instruction, logistics support, monitoring & evaluations, knowledge management, strategic planning, program management, and staffing services. Operating at the intersection of technology, telecommunications, and operational capability, we build and integrate mission-ready solutions by bridging cutting-edge capacity with real-world deployment for U.S. Government and partner nations.
CTP is seeking a high-potential former military or DoD civilian to serve as an Action Officer for UAS and Autonomous Systems. This role operates as a force multiplier to senior leadership by translating strategic intent, relationships, and emerging opportunities into executable initiatives that drive growth in CTP’s UAS-enabled business.
This is not a traditional staff role. You will sit at the center of deal flow, partnerships, and capability development to drive concepts from whiteboard to operational.
Key Responsibilities
Operationalizing Strategy
• Translate leadership vision into actionable plans, pilots, and programs across UAS and autonomous systems• Break down opportunities into execution pathways (partners, tech, funding, timelines)• Track and drive actions to ensure forward momentum across multiple initiatives
UAS & Autonomy Enablement
• Support development and deployment of UAS-enabled solutions (ISR, logistics, sensing, etc.)• Bridge operational needs with technical capabilities and partner offerings• Assist in shaping concepts of operation (CONOPS) and mission applications
Ecosystem Integration
• Engage with DoD stakeholders, labs, primes, and emerging tech companies• Help convert relationships into pilots, partnerships, and revenue opportunities• Coordinate across CTP’s partner ecosystem to align capabilities to mission needs
Business Growth Support
• Identify and qualify new opportunities aligned to UAS/autonomy• Support capture efforts, white papers, and rapid proposal development• Help structure and stand-up new lines of effort within the UAS portfolio
Execution & Program Support
• Serve as central action tracker across initiatives to ensure accountability and follow-through• Remove friction and accelerate decision-making across internal and external stakeholders• Help build lightweight processes and operating rhythms as the business scales
Required Qualifications
• Former U.S. military (O-1 to O-3, E-5 to E-7) or DoD civilian with relevant experience• Exposure to UAS, autonomous systems, ISR, or related mission sets• Demonstrated ability to operate in dynamic, ambiguous environments• Strong organizational and execution skills to manage multiple priorities simultaneously• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage both operators and senior stakeholders• Active Secret clearance (TS/SCI preferred)
• U.S. citizenship required. Preference will be given to candidates who hold TS/SCI active clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience supporting UAS operations, testing, acquisition, or integration• Familiarity with DoD innovation ecosystem (Drone Dominance, DIU, AFWERX, SOFWERX, ONR, etc.)• Exposure to international or partner-nation operations• Experience supporting proposals, capture, or business development efforts
Location________________________________________
Northern Virginia/Washington DC
Company Benefits________________________________________
Medical, Dental and Vision insurance, Short Term and Long-Term Disability insurance, Life Insurance, AD&D, Telework, Paid Time Off, Flexible Spending Account, Tuition Reimbursement, and a 401K Retirement plan.
Compensation________________________________________
Salary range based upon experience
Security Clearance________________________________________
Active SECRET security clearance required, TS/SCI (or ability to obtain) is preferred
Other Requirements________________________________________
Supervisory Responsibility: Position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Travel: International travel may be required and may include travel to fragile and/or conflict-prone zones.
Work Authorization: Candidate must be authorized to work in the United States. No sponsorships provided.
Application Procedure________________________________________
Interested candidates should apply via CTP’s website www.ctp-inc.com
No phone calls please.
Candidate applications may be acknowledged but, due to the high volume of submissions, only qualified candidates will be contacted for screening.
Candidates without requisite years of experience and pertinent qualifications will not be considered.
Employment is subject to a satisfactory completion of a pre-employment background review. This includes, but is not limited to: employment, credit and education verifications, and criminal records check. All applicants are required to complete the associated paperwork in advance of an interview. Writing samples may be requested.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.
CTP is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Global Trade & Security Solutions
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Since 1993, the experts at Commonwealth Trading Partners (CTP) have provided trade compliance and security-related services for public and private sector clients throughout the world.
For domestic exporters, CTP provides commodity classification, customized training programs, compliance audits, technical documents (TAAs, TCPs, etc), and Export Management Systems (EMS or EMCP). We work closely with your experts to determine the best approach for your company. For some clients, CTP experts provide "on-call" personnel for a series of compliance tasks, such as product/software classification or drafting technical documents, working like adjunct staff on an "as-needed" basis. For others we provide specific services on a "one-time" basis, such as Internal Audits or customized corporate training programs, thus enabling companies to plan and manage compliance initiatives effectively.
Government projects focus mainly on customized training for foreign officials and organizations, including legal foundations, control lists, licensing, industry-government outreach and border security. We also create and deploy training and software solutions for transit/ transshipment procedures, diplomatic (soft target) security, anti-corruption and anti-terrorism.
Using our proven Instructional Systems Design (ISD) methodologies, we have created dozens of customized software and training tools and deployed them in over 3000 workshops, exchanges, and conferences in 100+ countries. Over time we have attracted a diverse pool of subject matter experts and local service providers that enable us to respond effectively to complex challenges around the world.
