Chief Innovation Officer; CIO

Mission Bridge Partners is supporting a growing federal technology solutions provider in its search for a Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) to lead enterprise innovation strategy, emerging technology investments, and technology-driven business growth across the federal civilian market.

Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, the CIO will establish and execute the company's technology innovation roadmap, oversee Internal Research & Development (IRAD) investments, and develop differentiated solutions that strengthen competitive positioning, accelerate contract wins, and deliver measurable modernization outcomes.

This is a highly strategic and hands‑on executive opportunity for a proven technology leader who understands the intersection of emerging technologies, federal contracting, business development, and mission delivery.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience supporting federal civilian agencies such as DHS, USDA, HHS, and VA, with a demonstrated ability to translate technology innovation into sustainable business growth.

• Define and execute the enterprise innovation roadmap, aligning technology investments with federal civilian modernization priorities and corporate growth objectives.
• Lead strategic initiatives involving AI/ML, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, Dev Sec Ops , and digital transformation.
• Identify emerging technologies and develop scalable, mission‑focused solutions that differentiate the company in the federal marketplace.
• Advise the CEO and executive leadership team on technology trends, strategic investments, and competitive positioning.

• Establish, manage, and optimize the company's Internal Research & Development (IRAD) program.
• Prioritize innovation investments, oversee budgets, and measure ROI through capability development, contract growth, and customer adoption.
• Develop rapid prototyping and innovation lab capabilities that accelerate the transition from concept and pilot to production.
• Establish measurable performance indicators for innovation initiatives and report outcomes to executive leadership and the board.

• Partner closely with Business Development, Capture, and Proposal teams to develop differentiated technical solutions and competitive win strategies.
• Translate emerging technologies and existing capabilities into compelling solutions for federal civilian customers.
• Support strategic pursuits, customer presentations, solution architecture, and proposal development.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing customer relationships and penetrate new federal markets through innovative technology offerings.

• Build and maintain relationships with federal agency technology executives, innovation offices, industry partners, and emerging technology providers.
• Serve as a senior technology advisor to federal civilian customers, helping shape modernization strategies and technology adoption.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences, agency technology forums, and executive-level engagements.
• Establish partnerships with technology companies, research organizations, and startups to accelerate innovation and strengthen market differentiation.

• Collaborate with delivery and engineering leadership to transition innovative solutions into operational federal programs.
• Promote a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Establish innovation programs, technical training initiatives, and knowledge‑sharing opportunities across the…