Forward Deployed Lead (Air and Missile Defense

Forward-Deployed Engineering Leader

We are a rapidly growing defense technology startup focused on delivering next-generation integrated air and missile defense capabilities. Our mission is to provide resilient, scalable, and operationally effective systems to U.S. and international customers worldwide. We are building a world-class team to support deployment, sustainment, and long-term mission success.

We are seeking an experienced and driven Forward-Deployed Engineering Leader to build and lead an industry-leading post-production organization. This is a hands-on role building products, systems, and a Post Production Team. This role will be responsible for the full lifecycle sustainment strategy and execution of advanced air and missile defense systems, including maintenance, sparing, training, and forward-deployed support. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with proven leadership in defense programs and a track record of building high-performing teams in complex, mission-critical environments.

• Develop and lead comprehensive sustainment programs, including maintenance concepts, sparing strategies, and training systems for air and missile defense platforms
• Establish and scale a high-performing post-production organization, including field support, logistics, and reach-back capabilities
• Design and execute forward-deployed support models for operational customers globally
• Partner with technical program managers and executive leadership to align sustainment strategies with system design, production, and deployment
• Support business development activities, including shaping, capture, and execution for U.S. and international customers
• Ensure readiness, reliability, and lifecycle performance of deployed systems through data-driven sustainment practices
• Interface with government stakeholders, operators, and industry partners to deliver mission success
• Drive continuous improvement across sustainment operations, incorporating feedback from fielded systems

• 10-15+ years of experience in defense programs, with a focus on integrated air and missile defense systems
• Demonstrated leadership experience building and managing high-performing technical and operational teams
• Deep technical expertise in air and missile defense systems and their sustainment
• Strong technical acumen paired bias toward developing and implementing sustainment systems.
• Demonstrated work ethic and commitment to delivering mission-critical outcomes
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across technical teams, executives, and external stakeholders
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving startup environment
• Impeccable integrity, accountability, and mission focus
• Demonstrated record as a team player
• Possess, or have the ability to get, a Secret Clearance
• Passion for advancing integrated air and missile defense capabilities

• Experience with tactical and operational sustainment in deployed environments
• Experience working with international partners
• Experience supporting program capture, execution, and customer engagement efforts
• Background spanning both government and defense industry roles
• Ability to get a FAA Part 107 license

• Opportunity to build and lead a critical function from the ground up
• Direct impact on national and global security missions
• Collaborative environment with experienced leadership and cutting-edge technology
• Competitive compensation and benefits package