Posted May 31, 2026
Lead security and IT strategy for the Defense Business Unit across classified and unclassified environments. - Lead and scale the Government Security, Defense Cyber, and Defense IT organizations. - Architect and operate secure enterprise and engineering environments supporting CUI and classified data handling. - Build and scale secure networks, enclave architectures, endpoint security, identity systems, monitoring capabilities, and operational controls for defense programs. - Drive implementation and operational maturity for:
CMMC
IL4 / IL5 / IL6 environments
UK Cyber Essentials Plus
NIST 800-171 / 800-53
Additional global government and defense security requirements as business needs evolve
Partner with engineering and product organizations to enable secure development and deployment pipelines for regulated environments. - Own execution for:
Secure enterprise architecture
Classified network operations
Identity and access management
Detection and response
Vulnerability management
Asset management
Endpoint and infrastructure security
Security operations and monitoring
Insider risk and data protection
Collaborate closely with the Enterprise Security and IT org to align long-term security, infrastructure, and operational strategy across the company. - Work closely with key Defense Business Unit stakeholders including the General Manager, Government Program Management organization, and defense program leadership teams to ensure security and IT capabilities enable business growth and mission execution. - Lead audits, assessments, accreditations, and ongoing compliance operations across government programs. - Partner with Facilities and physical security teams to support secure spaces, classified operations, and government inspection readiness. - Influence executive stakeholders and drive security-first operational maturity across rapidly scaling defense initiatives. - Manage, mentor, and scale high-performing security and IT teams. - Build strong relationships with government customers, assessors, auditors, and defense partners. ## We’re looking for someone who has
10+ years of experience in cybersecurity, infrastructure, enterprise IT, or security engineering leadership roles. - Experience leading security and IT programs in defense, aerospace, government, or highly regulated environments. - Strong hands-on understanding of:
CUI handling requirements
Classified environments and networks
Secure enclave architectures
Government cloud and hybrid environments
Enterprise security architecture
Zero Trust principles
Deep familiarity with one or more of the following:
CMMC
IL4 / IL5 / IL6
NIST 800-171
NIST 800-53
DFARS
FedRAMP
UK Cyber Essentials Plus
Proven experience building and operating security programs beyond baseline compliance requirements. - Strong technical depth with the ability to engage directly in architecture and operational decisions. - Experience leading mature operational teams and driving execution in fast-paced environments. - Excellent cross-functional communication and executive influence skills. - Ability to balance security, operational agility, and engineering velocity. ## Required Qualifications
U.S. Citizenship required. - Active security clearance preferred, or willingness and ability to obtain and maintain one. - Ability to work onsite 5 days per week from Virgina/DC office location. ## Nice to have experience
Experience in commercial-first or dual-use technology companies selling into defense and government customers (vs. traditional defense primes or pure government contractors)
Familiarity with integrating acquired teams, facilities, or security programs into a parent organization's security posture
Experience operating in high-growth, fast-paced environments where security programs must scale alongside rapid business expansion
Comfort navigating the tension between engineering velocity and security/compliance requirements in software-driven organizations
Experience with international defense security frameworks or foreign military sales (FMS) compliance beyond U.S. domestic requirements
Compensation at Applied Intuition for eligible roles includes base salary, equity, and benefits. Base salary is a single component of the total compensation package, which may also include equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units, comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverage, 401k retirement benefits with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off. Note that benefits are subject to change and may vary based on jurisdiction of employment. Applied Intuition pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum intended target base salary for new hire salaries for the position. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, interview performance, and the level and scope of the position. Please reference the job posting’s subtitle for where this position will be located. For pay transparency purposes, the base salary range for this full-time position in the location listed is: $200,000 - $260,000 USD annually. Don’t meet every single requirement? If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. Consequently, the parties agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and that these laws are incorporated herein by reference. These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. These regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. The parties also agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of Executive Order 13496 (29 CFR Part 471, Appendix A to Subpart A), relating to the notice of employee rights under federal labor laws.
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