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Verified active · 16h ago

VP of Business Development (Defense)

DEFCON AIDEFCON AI·Artificial Intelligence

Compensation

$225,000 - $275,000

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Posted

18 days

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About the role

ABOUT DEFCON AI

RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF DISRUPTION. DEFCON AI is an insights company that leverages artificial intelligence, mathematical optimization, data analytics, and software engineering for resilient optimization of complex systems.
In today’s dynamically changing world, DEFCON AI’s technology aligns outcomes with operational goals, better decision making, and empowers customers to anticipate assess, and mitigate the impacts of disruptions.

About this Role

We are seeking a VP of Business Development to lead growth across the Department of War programs. This role will drive pipeline, shape opportunities, and secure strategic partnerships across the defense ecosystem. The ideal candidate brings deep experience navigating the Pentagon, service branches, and congressional stakeholders, and has a proven ability to translate mission needs into commercial solutions.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead DoW business development efforts.
  • Build and manage pipeline across contracts, OTAs, and SBIRs
  • Engage directly with Pentagon and senior defense stakeholders
  • Shape and capture opportunities from early identification through award
  • Develop partnerships with primes, innovation orgs, and tech companies
  • Advise leadership on growth strategy and market positioning

What We’re Looking For

  • 15+ years in defense, government, or national security roles
  • Senior-level experience (military, government, or equivalent leadership)
  • Deep familiarity with Department acquisition, funding and stakeholder landscape
  • Proven abilty to build relationships and convert mission needs into funded programs
  • Must be a US Citizen based in the Washington DC area

Nice to Have

  • Experience supporting or engaging programs integrating technology into DoW
  • Background in emergine technologies (AI, autonomy, cyber, space)
  • Experience leading business development teams

Success in this Role

  • Builds trusted relationships across DoW stakeholders
  • Delivers qualified pipeline and wins strategic programs
  • Positions the company as a credible DoW partner

What We Offer:

  • A fully remote, results-based environment
  • Competitive salary, bonus, and equity package
  • 100% employer paid, comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision for you and your family
  • Unlimited PTO, with your manager’s approval
  • Flexible work environment where you manage your work day
  • 14 weeks of fully-paid parental leave

Salary Range: $225,000-$275,000 with significant performance-based bonus opportunity, with total compensation tied to business development outcomes and contract awards.

We’re an Equal Opportunity Employer: You’ll receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

Applicant Data Disclosure
By submitting an application, you acknowledge that Defcon AI uses third-party service providers to facilitate its recruitment and hiring processes. These providers include applicant tracking systems, candidate verification platforms, and fraud detection tools (collectively, "Hiring Platforms"). Your application materials, including your résumé, cover letter, work samples, responses to application questions, and any other information you submit, may be transmitted to and processed by these Hiring Platforms for the following purposes:
  • Managing and administering your application throughout the hiring process;
  • Verifying the accuracy and authenticity of application materials, including by cross-referencing information you provide against publicly available sources and proprietary databases;
  • Identifying indicators of potentially fraudulent, fabricated, or materially misleading application content, including but not limited to discrepancies between submitted materials and publicly available professional profiles, geographic anomalies, and fabricated work histories.
Applications that are flagged through this process as containing indicators of fraud or material misrepresentation may be declined from further consideration. If you have questions about the status of your application or the evaluation process, please contact recruiting@defconai.com.
Defcon AI requires its Hiring Platform providers to process your information solely for the purposes described above and in accordance with applicable law. Your information will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill these purposes and any applicable legal obligations, after which it will be deleted in accordance with Defcon AI's data retention policies.
For more information about how your data is used, please refer to our Privacy Policy and Applicant Privacy Notice.

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Aplyr's read

DEFCON AI is a cutting-edge AI firm where specialists enhance operational efficiency and decision-making across industries. Ideal for those with technical expertise and security clearances.

Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

  • DEFCON AI is at the forefront of AI solutions, driving innovation in operational efficiency.
  • The company focuses on decision-making processes, offering impactful roles for tech professionals.
  • Recent hiring for senior roles indicates growth and opportunities for career advancement.

What to watch

  • Roles often require high-level security clearances, limiting applicant eligibility.
  • The niche focus on AI may not suit those seeking broader tech industry exposure.
  • Fast-paced environment could be challenging for those preferring stable, routine tasks.

Why DEFCON AI

  • DEFCON AI specializes in AI solutions specifically aimed at enhancing decision-making processes.
  • The company integrates AI with industry-specific needs, offering tailored solutions.
  • High-level security clearance roles suggest involvement in sensitive, high-stakes projects.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

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About DEFCON AI

DEFCON AI is a technology company specializing in artificial intelligence solutions for various industries, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making processes.

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