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Sakana AI is seeking a Defense Domain Expert to serve as a bridge between the company's AI technology and Japan's Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). In this role, you will translate Sakana AI's cutting-edge AI capabilities into practical, deployable solutions for defense operations.
You will own the full lifecycle of defense-focused projects: from understanding customer needs and defining use cases (command & control, information analysis, simulation, electronic warfare, cognitive domain operations), through proposal development, implementation, and operational integration. Responsibilities include analyzing RFPs and specifications, creating proposals and implementation plans, coordinating requirements with customers, collecting feedback from field users and engineers, managing post-contract delivery, quality assurance, and supporting compliance and audits.
You will also build and maintain relationships with the Ministry of Defense, Defense Acquisition Agency, and defense-related companies. A key part of the role involves educating internal engineers and project managers on defense domain knowledge—organizational structures, procurement mechanisms, doctrine, and operational concepts.
Additionally, you will support the establishment of information security and compliance frameworks necessary for defense contracting.
This is a full-time position based in Tokyo, with potential for travel or on-site customer work depending on project needs. The role offers flexibility to discuss advisory or contract arrangements based on experience and preference.
Business-level Japanese is required. Business-level English is welcomed.
**Requirements:**
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Work experience in a General Staff Office (Joint Staff Office, Army Staff Office, Maritime Staff Office, or Air Staff Office) or equivalent organization; OR
- Hands-on experience in information, operations, defense planning, or command & control systems; OR
- Deep understanding and work experience with JSDF/Ministry of Defense organizational structure, decision-making processes, and procurement mechanisms.
Essential qualifications:
- Comfort working hands-on in a small, flat organization; ability to create materials and execute tasks independently.
- High awareness of information security; willingness to cooperate with required certifications and security clearance processes.
Desired qualifications:
- International experience: overseas study, foreign postings, or joint training/coordination with US or multinational forces.
- Understanding of US military or NATO doctrine and joint operations.
- Experience with command & control systems, data link, cloud infrastructure projects, or AI/data utilization initiatives.
- Work experience in emerging domains: cyber, electromagnetic spectrum, space, cognitive operations.
- Experience planning or conducting war games or command post exercises.
- Practical information security or cybersecurity background.
- Business-level English proficiency.
Desired personal attributes:
- Ability to translate field challenges into concrete feedback for development teams based on your experience.
- Capacity to think beyond your immediate domain and prioritize across the entire JSDF landscape.
- Interest in AI and startup development velocity; ability to serve as a "translator" between the JSDF and a fast-moving startup.
- Commitment to leveraging your expertise to strengthen Japan's defense capabilities.
