Architecture & Data Lead

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 the Role 
This is a rare opportunity to define how data moves across the U.S. military’s logistics ecosystem. 
As the Architecture and Data Lead, you will own one of the most critical integration challenges in modern DoW software: enabling data to flow reliably across platforms, classification levels, and operational environments — and transforming it into usable, decision-ready information. 
You will design and build the integration platform that connects DEFCON AI’s software to the broader logistics C2 ecosystem. This includes developing adapters, common data models, translation layers, synchronization mechanisms, and classification-aware data architecture that ensure systems remain coherent from headquarters to the tactical edge. 
This is a senior role combining deep technical execution and system-level architecture leadership. You will define the architecture, build key components, and guide a team of engineers and partners to deliver production-ready integrations across disconnected environments, varied data models, and multi-enclave deployments. 
 
Key Responsibilities 
Cross-Platform Integration Architecture 
Design and implement the bidirectional data layer connecting major DoW C2 platforms (Palantir and Anduril)
Develop common data models and translation layers to resolve schema and vocabulary mismatches
Build and validate production-grade adapters (e.g., Foundry, Lattice) in live government environments
Advance integration concepts into fully implemented, tested system-level data flows 
Data Integration & Authoritative Source Onboarding 
Own end-to-end data flow from authoritative DoW systems into and across the platform
Lead onboarding of key data sources (logistics, personnel, maintenance, DoW data platforms)
Extend existing government data pipelines into DEFCON AI production without disrupting delivery
Coordinate with security and DevSecOps teams to enable compliant, reliable data ingestion 
Classification-Aware & Cross-Domain Data Architecture 
Architect data flows across IL-5, IL-6, and tactical environments with proper segmentation
Implement classification-aware controls (e.g., NOFORN, REL_TO) with fail-safe enforcement
Enable “classify the data, not the network” operations across multi-enclave systems 
Interoperability, Standards & Field Execution 
Align architecture with JADC2 and Service C2 interoperability standards
Produce and maintain interface control documents (ICDs), schemas, and API contracts
Lead technical execution at exercises: operate integrations, validate flows, and troubleshoot in real time
Capture lessons learned and continuously improve architecture and integration design 
Platform Scalability, DDIL & Modernization 
Design and implement resilient data synchronization for DDIL environments
Enable bandwidth-aware operation, conflict resolution, and graceful degradation to low-connectivity states
Identify and resolve data architecture bottlenecks (e.g., geospatial scaling constraints)
Lead refactoring and modernization as systems transition into DEFCON ownership 
Required Qualifications
10+ years of software/systems architecture experience including at least one system-of-systems integration effort delivered to production
5+ years of data architecture or data engineering experience on DoW, logistics, or complex-enterprise systems
Hands on experience building production integration adapters between systems that were not designed to talk to each other
Demonstrated experience operating across multiple classification levels (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6) or equivalent regulated multi-enclave environments.
US Citizenship Required
Active Secret Clearance
Willingness to travel up to 25% to USMC sites, Defcon AI HQ, and industry vendor facilities as required 
Preferred Qualifications
Active TS/SCI Clearance
Experience with Palantir and/or Anduril platforms in production environments
Experience with DoW cross-domain solutions
Experience onboarding authoritative DoW data feeds (logistics, readiness, etc.)
Experience with geospatial data architecture (e.g., PostGIS)
Familiarity with USMC or Service-level logistics domains
Experience building systems for DDIL / edge environments 
 
What Success Looks Like 
Cross-platform integrations operate successfully in live exercises, with real-time data flowing between systems
Architecture is delivered as working, tested system-level integrations — not just concepts
Authoritative DoW data sources are onboarded with clear lineage and governance
Production data pipelines are extended seamlessly without disrupting existing government workflows
The platform scales effectively, supports DDIL operations, and establishes the program’s standard data model and interfaces 
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: $175,000-$225,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience, skills, and other factors.
 
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. 
 
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.