Mission Lead, Protection Operations

Sitreps • Arlington, VA

13d • $160,000 - $190,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Early-Stage Defense AI is hiring a Mission Lead, Protection Operations to lead the mission side of a new protection-focused effort. This is a domain-focused role for someone with operational or strategic experience in base defense and force protection, familiarity with protection decision-making at a component or combatant command, and credibility with a G3/J3 protection cell. The role focuses on supporting decision-making around force protection, including sensor-to-shooter networks, counter-unmanned systems, antiterrorism planning, and the policies, plans, and SOPs that connect these areas. The role does not require the candidate to be a technologist; the company’s engineers build the software, while the Mission Lead ensures it addresses commanders’ actual needs.

The company builds AI software to help prepare warfighters for challenges they face. Its software is deployed and in use with Department of Defense partners. The position is based in person in Arlington, Virginia, with travel of up to 20%.

Requirements

• Army protection background at the mid-career level: MAJ or LTC, or GS-13/14 equivalent.
• Field Artillery, Air Defense Artillery, or engineering background.
• Hands-on experience with base defense and protection problems at the operational or strategic level.
• Expert knowledge of sensor-to-shooter networks, homeland defense or protection planning, counter-unmanned systems (cUxS), and antiterrorism planning.
• Experience in a G3/J3 protection cell at an Army Service Component Command or combatant command, or in a force protection role with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• High ownership, comfort with ambiguity, and ability to move quickly without being told what to prioritize.
• Ability to work in person in Arlington, Virginia.

Nice To Haves

• Experience writing or owning force protection policy, plans, or SOPs at a combatant command or component command, such as USAREUR-AF.
• Homeland defense or installation protection experience, such as with USNORTHCOM or ARNORTH.
• Recent counter-small UAS work at the joint or interagency level.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mission side of a new protection effort, from initial customer meetings through scoping, design input, training, and ongoing support.
• Translate force protection, base defense, and counter-unmanned systems problems into clear requirements for engineers.
• Work directly with protection cells, installation leaders, and operational staffs to understand how they plan, decide, and act.
• Bring knowledge of protection policy, plans, and SOPs into the product so it fits existing command practices.
• Travel to customer sites and events, up to 20%, and share learnings with the team.
• Help shape the company’s future work in the protection space.

Benefits

• Equity to share in the company’s success.
• Full health benefits.
• Dental benefits.
• 401(k).
• Commuting benefits.
• Lunch when working in the office.
• Opportunity to join a founding team and directly shape the future of the company.
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI technology in a defense context.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed