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Sakana AI is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead cybersecurity initiatives for Japan's defense and government sectors. This role bridges cutting-edge generative AI research with real-world national security applications, specifically cybersecurity solutions for government agencies and defense contractors.
You will own end-to-end project delivery—from initial proposal through execution—working alongside security engineers, AI researchers, and account managers. Key responsibilities include identifying complex cybersecurity challenges in the defense domain, proposing AI-driven solutions, building and maintaining relationships with government agencies (including the Ministry of Defense), and developing proposal strategies informed by international defense and cybersecurity technology trends.
You will lead client requirement negotiations, manage expectations, and drive technical discussions with specialists in vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and defensive security operations. You are accountable for project quality, cost, schedule, and successful delivery, while supporting and coordinating development teams and technical partners.
Required qualifications: 5+ years in cybersecurity or defense, with demonstrated experience in one of three areas: (1) leading government cybersecurity projects at management consulting or think tanks; (2) delivering security services (vulnerability assessment, penetration testing) at specialized firms; or (3) managing defense-related government sales and project delivery at defense contractors or trading companies.
You must possess systematic knowledge of cybersecurity (understanding vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and defensive operations), hands-on enterprise/government project management experience, strong client negotiation and documentation skills, and foundational knowledge of generative AI and data infrastructure. Nice-to-have qualifications include familiarity with Japanese defense procurement regulations (ISMAP, NIST standards, defense industry cybersecurity guidelines), upstream project phases (requirements, architecture design, PoC), generative AI system design experience, and relevant certifications (PMP, Scrum Master, CISSP).
Full-time role based in Tokyo. Business-level Japanese (N1) required; business-level English preferred. Note: Due to the classified nature of defense work, Japanese citizenship is required or strongly preferred, and background checks may be conducted.
