VP of Business Development (Defense)

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. 
 
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.