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Weapons Systems Officer (Senior SME)

Pentagon, VA

Blue Sky Innovators is seeking a highly experienced U.S. Air Force Combat Pilot or Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) with a minimum of 15 years of operational experience and demonstrated expertise supporting Special Access Programs (SAPs).

This role provides direct support to senior Department of the Air Force leadership at the Pentagon, delivering mission-critical expertise in advanced air superiority, Low Observable (LO) / Counter-Low Observable (CLO) technologies, and strategic defense systems.

You will operate at the intersection of operations, acquisition, and advanced capabilities—helping shape decisions that impact the future of U.S. air and space dominance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operational Expertise: Provide senior-level insight based on extensive combat aviation experience to inform strategic and acquisition decisions.
  • LO/CLO Advisory: Deliver expert analysis and recommendations on Low Observable and Counter-LO technologies in support of SAF/AQL priorities.
  • Systems Engineering Support: Contribute to systems engineering efforts across advanced weapons systems and next-generation air superiority initiatives.
  • Special Access Program Support: Advise on and support highly classified SAP efforts, ensuring operational relevance and technical rigor.
  • Export License Reviews: Conduct technical assessments of industry export applications involving sensitive technologies and support development of U.S. Government positions.
  • Senior Leader Engagement: Interface directly with Pentagon leadership, providing actionable recommendations on critical defense programs.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum 15+ years of USAF operational experience as a Combat Pilot or Weapons Systems Officer
  • Demonstrated experience supporting or working within Special Access Programs (SAPs)
  • Deep expertise in air superiority, advanced weapons systems, electronic warfare, or ISR operations
  • Strong understanding of LO/CLO technologies and operational applications
  • Current Top Secret (TS) clearance (active)
  • Ability to work full-time onsite at the Pentagon

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting MAJCOM, Headquarters Air Force, or OSD-level organizations
  • Background in systems engineering, requirements development, or acquisition support
  • Willing to learn about foreign military sales (FMS) and export compliance processes
  • Master’s degree, Engineering, Defense Studies, or related field desired
  • Fighter, bomber, ISR, or RPA operational background required

Why Blue Sky Innovators?

At Blue Sky Innovators, we bring together elite operators, engineers, and strategists to solve the nation’s most complex defense challenges. Our team directly influences high-impact programs across the Department of the Air Force, OSD, and Combatant Commands.

This is a unique opportunity to remain at the forefront of national defense—leveraging your operational experience to shape next-generation capabilities and maintain U.S. air dominance.

If you are a seasoned USAF operator ready to make a strategic impact at the highest levels of the Department of Defense, we want to hear from you.

Join Blue Sky Innovators and continue the mission—at a new level.

Salary range for the position is $200,000 - $250,000 per year. Specific compensation will be determined by several factors including experience, education, skills, and knowledge. We also offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution.

Blue Sky Innovators, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a qualified job seeker with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access http://www.blueskyinnovators.com as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, please email us at careers@blueskyinnovators.com and provide your name and contact information. Please note: this is only for job seekers with disabilities requesting an accommodation.

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As set forth in Blue Sky Innovators’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

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