Director of Government Programs

U.S. citizen required (ITAR and CUI access); must be able to obtain a DoD security clearance (active clearance preferred)

The Director of Government Programs leads Our Client’s federal business end-to-end, driving pipeline management, business development, capture, contract execution, cybersecurity governance, and compliance. Our Client is a small defense technology business building XR, AI, computer vision, and autonomy systems for the U.S. Federal Government.

This role holds dual security responsibility, serving as the Information Owner and System Security Officer / Assessment POC for Client’s CUI enclave under CMMC Level 2 and NIST SP 800-171.

• Pipeline Ownership: Maintain the federal opportunity pipeline across SBIR/STTR BAAs, CSOs, OTA consortium calls, RFIs, and Calls for Solutions.
• Qualification: Conduct go/no-go assessments on technical fit, OCI risk, facility clearance needs, and competitive position.
• Business Development: Cultivate relationships with program offices, end users, and defense primes to shape requirements through white papers, RFIs, and demos.
• Teaming & Agreements: Structure prime/sub partnerships and negotiate teaming agreements, work shares, and NDAs.
• Proposal Leadership: Lead proposal efforts from compliance matrix creation through technical/cost volume development to portal submission.
• Growth Strategy: Commercialize Phase I and II awards into Phase III production contracts and transition external lab technologies into offerings.

• Contract Leadership: Manage federal contracts from award to closeout, ensuring delivery on technical milestones, schedule, and budget constraints.
• Client Delivery: Serve as the primary technical and administrative interface for government program managers, contracting officers, and technical points of contact.

• U.S. Citizenship (ITAR and CUI access strictions) and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoW security clearance. Candidates must pass a government background investigation.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related defense or security discipline.
• 25+ years in federal program management
  , defense contracting, or executive technology leadership
• Experience: Proven track record in defense acquisition, federal capture management, and technical project delivery.
• Domain Expertise: Familiarity with XR, AI, computer vision, or autonomous systems within the DoD ecosystem.
• Compliance Knowledge: Direct experience navigating CMMC Level 2, NIST SP 800-171, ITAR, and CUI handling protocols.
• Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

"We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law."