Head of War

Rivet Industries•Washington, DC

2d•$250,000 - $275,000

About The Position

Rivet is an American company building integrated task systems — fusing hardened hardware with software, sensors, AI, and networking — for industrial workforces and defense personnel. We create capabilities that multiply the effectiveness of every individual and withstand the world’s toughest environments. We serve the people who build, operate, maintain, and defend our way of life. From technicians and engineers to first responders and service members, they embody the hard work, ingenuity, and meritocratic values that drive Western prosperity. Yet too often they are forced to rely on outdated tools that fail under modern pressures. Rivet exists to reset that priority. At Rivet, you’ll join a mission-driven team that fuses disciplines to deliver decisive outcomes where they matter most. Whether shaping our technology, strengthening our partnerships, or building our culture, every role here contributes to equipping the front lines with the modern systems they deserve. Work Authorization Requirement: Due to the nature of our business and compliance with federal regulations, all candidates must be a "U.S. Person". Upon hire, you will be required to provide documentation verifying your status as a U.S. Citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Requirements

10+ years of experience in defense and national security, with significant experience selling, delivering, and operating with the U.S. Department of War and/or allied military organizations.
Proven business development track record with direct responsibility for winning substantial government programs and delivering measurable growth.
Deep expertise in defense acquisition: Strong understanding of acquisition processes, budgeting and appropriations cycles, requirements management, contracting pathways, and how programs move from need identification through procurement and execution.
Exceptional operator: Able to turn strategy into execution, manage complex programs, anticipate risks, and consistently deliver against commitments.
Strong customer and people leader: Credibility with senior military, civilian, acquisition, and operational stakeholders, combined with a demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and lead high-performing teams.

Nice To Haves

Veteran of the U.S. military, ideally the U.S. Army, with meaningful operational experience and firsthand understanding of warfighter needs and military organizations.
Experience leading DoW programs operating in all domains.
Prior experience at a high-growth defense technology company, particularly in a role spanning business development and program execution.

Responsibilities

Own warfighting growth: Set and deliver annual growth targets across the U.S. Department of War and coalition partners by identifying, prioritizing, shaping, and winning high-value opportunities.
Lead customer execution: As an advocate for the end-user, ensure established programs—including Soldier Borne Mission Command—meet their needs, and create strong references for future growth.
Navigate the defense acquisition system: Develop and execute strategies aligned to acquisition processes, budgeting and appropriations cycles, requirements development, contracting pathways, and program milestones.
Build the pipeline: Develop senior relationships across military, civilian, acquisition, and operational stakeholders; maintain a disciplined pipeline and reliably forecast bookings, probability, timing, and revenue.
Build the organization: Hire, develop, and lead a high-performing growth and implementation team capable of scaling our business.
Build the operating system: Establish the processes, systems, metrics, and BD infrastructure required to consistently identify, shape, pursue, close, and expand opportunities.