Defense Strategy and Growth Lead

About Applied Intuition

Applied Intuition is a vehicle software supplier that accelerates the adoption of safe and intelligent machines worldwide. Founded in 2017, Applied Intuition delivers the AI-powered ADAS/AD toolchain, Vehicle OS, and autonomy stack to help customers shorten time to market, build high-quality systems, and create next-generation consumer experiences. 18 of the top 20 global automakers trust Applied Intuition’s solutions to drive the production of modern vehicles. Applied Intuition serves the automotive, trucking, construction, mining, agriculture, and defense industries and is headquartered in Mountain View, CA, with offices in San Diego, CA, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Ann Arbor and Detroit, MI, Washington, D.C., Stuttgart, Munich, Stockholm, Seoul, and Tokyo. Learn more at appliedintuition.com.

We are an in-office company, and our expectation is that employees primarily work from their Applied Intuition office 5 days a week. However, we also recognize the importance of flexibility and trust our employees to manage their schedules responsibly. This may include occasional remote work, starting the day with morning meetings from home before heading to the office, or leaving earlier when needed to accommodate family commitments. (Note: this is not applicable for EpiSci roles).

About Applied Intuition Defense

Applied Intuition Defense is a software and infrastructure supplier that accelerates the deployment of next-generation autonomous capabilities to the warfighter across air, land, sea, and space. A business of Applied Intuition, we deliver dual-use solutions to national security customers that build upon several years of product development and experience from commercial autonomy programs. Based in Washington, D.C., our seasoned team hails from Palantir, Anduril, SpaceX, Google, Lockheed Martin, and the U.S. Armed Services. Learn more at appliedintuitiondefense.com.

About the role

We are seeking a highly connected and strategic Defense Strategy & Growth Lead to drive engagement, partnerships, and revenue growth within the U.S. defense sector. The ideal candidate does not need to be a technical expert but must have exceptional senior defense networking skills and a strong aptitude for learning and articulating autonomous mission software use cases across air, ground, maritime, command and control (C2), networked collaboration, and digital ecosystems for current and future military applications.

This role is ideal for a business development professional, strategist, or former senior military leader who understands defense acquisition processes, emerging operational concepts, and the evolving needs of the DoD in software-driven autonomy and digital transformation.

At Applied Intuition, you will:

• Develop and execute a defense growth strategy that aligns with company objectives in autonomous mission software, C2, and digital ecosystems for military applications
• Build and leverage high-level relationships across the DoD, including service branches, combatant commands, acquisition offices (e.g., PEOs, DARPA, DIU, RCCTO), and major defense contractors
• Identify, shape, and pursue new business opportunities through direct engagements, government solicitations (BAAs, OTAs, IDIQs), and strategic partnerships
• Educate government and industry stakeholders on the company’s software capabilities and their impact on future multi-domain operations, human-machine teaming, and mission command autonomy
• Lead capture efforts for key defense programs, including teaming agreements and proposal development
• Collaborate with technical teams to translate customer needs into actionable software requirements and product roadmaps
• Represent the company at high-level defense conferences, warfighter exercises, and military technology demonstrations

We're looking for someone who has:

• 10+ years of experience in defense strategy, business development, military leadership, or government relations
• Deep understanding of DoD operational needs, acquisition pathways, and funding mechanisms
• Extensive network across senior military leadership, defense innovation organizations, and prime contractors
• Ability to quickly learn and articulate software use cases in autonomous systems, networked operations, and digital infrastructure for military platforms
• Experience with defense technology programs related to autonomy, artificial intelligence, software-defined mission systems, or C2 architectures is a plus
• Strong executive presence, communication skills, and ability to brief senior leaders and decision-makers
• Prior ex