War Strategy Lead

Navi AI • San Francisco, CA

110d

About The Position

Navi AI is on its way to becoming a trusted name in aviation and national security — but scaling within the Department of War requires precision, persistence, and fluency in government contracting. As War Strategy Lead, your mission is to transform our early Air Force traction into a sustained, expanding War Department presence. You’ll navigate SBIRs, OTAs, and contracting pathways, ensuring Navi captures every relevant opportunity and converts them into long-term strategic programs that strengthen the nation’s combat readiness and redefine flight training intelligence.

Navi AI is already flying with the Air Force. The next step is turning early wins into long-term programs that embed our technology across the Department of War. The War Strategy Lead ensures no opportunity is missed, every proposal is executed flawlessly, and every relationship deepens our foothold in the national security ecosystem. This role is key to scaling Navi’s presence from startup to strategic partner.

Requirements

• Background in War Department / DoW acquisitions, contracting, or defense business development — ideally Air Force or joint programs.
• Deep understanding of SBIR/TACFI/STRATFI, OTAs, and Phase III transition mechanisms.
• Strong writing and organizational skills — able to manage multiple submissions in parallel with precision.
• Established network within AFWERX, DIU, AFLCMC, or related innovation offices.
• Comfortable representing a startup to senior government officials; confident, credible, and mission-oriented.
• Adaptable and resourceful — able to operate in a fast-paced, unstructured environment.
• Passionate about aviation technology, defense innovation, and national mission impact.

Responsibilities

• Opportunity Intelligence: Maintain a live calendar of SBIRs, BAAs, OTAs, AFWERX, and DIU opportunities. Proactively identify and prioritize submissions that align with Navi’s roadmap.
• Proposal Execution: Lead end-to-end proposal development — drafting narratives, coordinating technical inputs, ensuring FAR/DFARS compliance, and managing on-time submission.
• Contracting Pathways: Drive TACFI/STRATFI progression and Phase III transitions, ensuring funding continuity and program scalability.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain trusted relationships with contracting officers, program managers, and innovation hubs across the Department of War.
• Strategic Alignment: Partner with leadership to align War Department opportunities with product, engineering, and company objectives.
• Representation: Serve as Navi’s face at innovation events, showcases, and pitch days, strengthening visibility and credibility within the national security ecosystem.
• Internal Coordination: Collaborate with CEO, CTO, and Chief of Staff on proposals, compliance, and reporting deliverables.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus potential — commensurate with experience and impact.
• Equity options — share in the upside as Navi grows into a leading national security technology company.
• Access and exposure — work directly with senior leadership, military stakeholders, and innovation offices.
• Professional growth — opportunity to evolve into Head of War Programs or Government Strategy.
• Mission-driven culture — join a team building AI that enhances pilot training, operational safety, and national strength.

What This Job Offers

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