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DEFCON AI is seeking a VP of Defense Solutions & Growth to build and lead the company's defense growth organization. This is not a traditional business development role focused on selling established products, but rather a strategic leadership position centered on identifying mission challenges, working directly with government stakeholders to define solutions, and leading the development of new business opportunities from concept through award.
The successful candidate will serve as the bridge between customer mission needs and the company's technical capabilities. Key responsibilities include leading the company's defense growth strategy, engaging directly with senior military and civilian stakeholders to identify emerging challenges and unmet needs, translating customer problems into executable solution concepts often before formal requirements exist, and working closely with technical teams to shape new offerings, prototypes, and pilots.
You will develop and manage a pipeline across contracts, OTAs, SBIRs, and other acquisition pathways, lead opportunity shaping and capture from early engagement through award, and establish strategic relationships with government organizations, prime contractors, technology companies, and research institutions. You'll advise company leadership on market trends, customer priorities, and long-term growth opportunities, and build a high-performing growth organization as the company scales.
Required qualifications include 15+ years of experience in defense, national security, government, consulting, or technology leadership roles; demonstrated success identifying and developing new business opportunities within the Department of Defense; strong understanding of defense missions, planning processes, acquisition pathways, and funding mechanisms; proven ability to engage senior leaders and uncover mission needs; experience developing solution concepts around complex operational challenges; and an active Secret Clearance.
Preferred qualifications include a strong technical background, prior leadership position in the Pentagon at O6/GS-15 level or above, experience within operational commands or defense innovation organizations, consulting or systems engineering background, experience scaling growth organizations in startups, existing DoD stakeholder network, and active TS/SCI Clearance.
