U.S. Defense Program & Operations Lead

Tekever

8h

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced U.S. Defense Program & Operations Lead to serve as the linchpin of our new U.S. office. This role connects corporate strategy with operational execution while navigating the complexities of the U.S. defense acquisition environment.

Requirements

• 8–12 years of experience in U.S. defense program management, acquisitions, budgeting, and test & evaluation
• Strong knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, FAR/DFARS regulations, MIL-STD testing frameworks, and competitive down-selection practices
• Demonstrated success managing complex defense programs on schedule and within budget
• Experience interpreting technical test data to inform programmatic and strategic decisions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with government and industry stakeholders
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, a technical discipline, or Business
• Minimum 5 years of experience supporting DoD/government logistics and training programs (experience with autonomous systems preferred)
• Demonstrated leadership experience organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating multi-disciplinary workstreams
• Prior experience standing up or supporting a new office, division, or operational function
• Experience working with both U.S. government customers and international headquarters teams
• Eligibility to work in the United States
• Ability to comply with U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR/EAR technologies
• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances or site access approvals

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ISR, autonomous systems, or UAS platforms
• Active U.S. security clearance (Secret or higher preferred)
• Experience with defense prime contractor environments
• Advanced degree (MS/MBA)

Responsibilities

• Lead acquisition strategy and execution across defense platforms in compliance with United States Department of Defense regulations, including FAR and DFARS
• Manage end-to-end program execution—from opportunity identification through competitive down-selection
• Collaborate with engineering, finance, contracts, and legal teams to define scope, schedules, budgets, and performance metrics
• Ensure programs are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with contractual requirements
• Develop test strategies and acceptance criteria aligned with U.S. Government requirements and MIL-STD frameworks
• Oversee third-party and government-led testing events
• Analyze test data to generate technical insights and programmatic recommendations
• Ensure traceability between requirements, verification activities, and performance outcomes
• Identify and qualify new U.S. defense opportunities in coordination with East Coast business development leadership
• Support capture planning, proposal development, and teaming strategies
• Build and maintain relationships with prime contractors, government program offices, and T&E facilities
• Contribute to long-term market positioning and growth strategy
• Serve as the primary liaison between the U.S. satellite office and headquarters
• Standardize reporting structures, processes, and program KPIs
• Deliver executive-level updates on program performance, forecasts, budgets, and test outcomes
• Ensure alignment across time zones and cross-functional teams

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Retirement savings plan (401(k))
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Health insurance coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level