Principal Nontraditional Contracting Strategist

Tyto Athene, LLC•Reston, VA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Tyto's TALON (Technology Accelerator Lab for Operational Needs) represents a strategic bet on innovation -- transforming emerging technologies into mission-ready capabilities at speed. As TALON scales, we are searching for a Nontraditional Contracting Leader who can unlock the full potential of flexible acquisition authorities that traditional FAR-based contracting can't touch. This Strategist will be simultaneously the guardrails and the accelerator for our innovation pipeline -- the catalyst that transforms cutting-edge ideas into funded programs by mastering the art and science of nontraditional contracting mechanisms. Working at the intersection of technology, policy, and mission need, this Strategist will partner with the TALON and innovation teams, business development teams, warfighters, and customer stakeholders to identify the fastest paths from concept to contract. Your mandate is clear: find ways to get to 'yes' and get that yes across the contracting line, at speed. The ideal candidate combines deep acquisition expertise with entrepreneurial mindset. You're as comfortable reviewing legal language in an OTA agreement as whiteboarding strategies with engineers in our innovation lab. You have the gravitas to advise senior leadership on complex compliance questions and the agility to pivot when circumstances change. You're energized by ambiguity and see constraints as design challenges rather than roadblocks. This Strategist will be the contracting expert who makes hard calls, removes obstacles, and ensures TALON's engineers can focus on innovation while you handle acquisition complexity. This role sits at the strategic table, with this Strategist shaping what we pursue, how we compete, and how we scale. You genuinely believe better acquisition processes create mission advantage, and you have the track record to prove it.

Requirements

10+ years in government contracting, with at least 5 years executing or managing nontraditional agreements
Deep expertise in OTAs (research, prototype, production), CSOs, and SBIR/STTR Phase III direct awards
Proven track record executing nontraditional agreements exceeding $5M with measurable impact on timelines
Experience navigating consortium memberships and understanding of intermediaries
Working knowledge of FAR Part 12, 10 USC 4022, and DoD/IC innovation authorities
Strong business acumen: can speak the language of BD, capture, pricing, and technical teams
Exceptional communication skills: can explain complex strategies to non-experts and defend positions to skeptics
Ability to secure a Secret clearance (TS/SCI eligibility preferred)

Nice To Haves

Direct experience supporting R&D labs, innovation cells, or rapid capability offices
Background in emerging technology sectors (AI/ML, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure) and dual-use technology contracting
Understanding of IP strategy, licensing, and data rights in collaborative R&D environments
Experience with cost-sharing, public-private partnerships, or hybrid funding models
Knowledge of Middle Tier Acquisition, Adaptive Acquisition Framework, Software Acquisition Pathways, CMMC, FedRAMP
Existing relationships within DoD/IC innovation ecosystems
Professional certifications (CPCM, CFCM)

Responsibilities

Strategic Architecture
Design and implement Tyto's nontraditional acquisition strategy aligned with TALON's mission to rapidly prototype and transition emerging technologies
Build relationships with government consortia, OTA intermediaries (ATI, NSTXL, MCIC), and innovation offices across DoD, IC, and civilian agencies
Identify and qualify for emerging contract vehicles (as they evolve
Create playbooks for optimal vehicle selection: OTAs, CSOs, SBIR Phase III, and traditional mechanisms—with focus on realizing nontraditional approaches
Operational Excellence
Lead end-to-end execution of nontraditional agreements—from opportunity identification through proposal, negotiation, award, and performance
Navigate prototype-to-production transitions, including Other Transaction Production Authorities and follow-on procurement strategies
Manage IP strategy, data rights, and commercial item determinations unique to nontraditional environments
Work directly with customers and warfighters through CRADA partnerships to translate real-world mission challenges into executable contracting strategies
Organizational Enablement
Serve as internal expert and evangelist for nontraditional acquisition, educating BD, technical, finance, and leadership teams
Build templates, tools, and training to scale nontraditional contracting capability across Tyto's three verticals: ADA (Army & Defense Agencies), SAS (Space, Air & Sea), and JNS (Justice & National Security)
Partner with pricing and finance to develop cost models that work within the flexibility of OT authorities
Collaborate with TALON technical leadership to shape R&D roadmaps around fundable, executable acquisition strategies
Identify where nontraditional vehicles create competitive advantages and enable horizontal positioning of technology differentiators like Stack Armor capabilities
External Influence
Represent Tyto in industry consortia including NSIN, SOFWERX, and emerging collaborative ecosystems
Cultivate strategic relationships with DIU, AFWERX, Army Applications Lab, and other DoD/IC innovation offices
Track legislative and policy changes affecting OTAs, CSOs, and commercial pathways