Senior Technical Lead — Mission EngineeringAgile Defense is seeking a Senior Technical Lead to support distributed software modernization efforts across Combatant Command and mission-partner environments within the Department of Defense. This role will serve as a hands-on technical modernization lead focused on operational coordination, mission engineering alignment, and execution support across geographically dispersed modernization initiatives. This opportunity is centered on helping align technical execution, modernization approaches, and operational collaboration across embedded mission teams, enterprise modernization partners, acquisition stakeholders, and technical delivery organizations. The Senior Technical Lead will help support agile software delivery, DevSecOps enablement, cloud-native adoption, API/data integration, and modernization strategy efforts supporting complex operational environments. The ideal candidate combines strong engineering leadership, operational awareness, and modernization experience with the ability to coordinate distributed technical efforts and support fast-moving mission-focused initiatives. They are comfortable operating across organizational boundaries, helping align cross-functional teams, and translating modernization objectives into practical engineering approaches and executable delivery efforts.
As part of Agile Defense's broader modernization ecosystem, this role will help support day-to-day coordination across distributed modernization initiatives while contributing to reusable engineering frameworks, operational patterns, and modernization best practices supporting long-term mission growth across multiple defense organizations and operational environments.Technical Leadership and Mission EngineeringSupport development of reusable modernization engineering approaches supporting mission-focused software delivery across distributed operational environmentsHelp align technical modernization strategies across multiple mission efforts and geographically dispersed stakeholdersSupport modernization initiatives involving cloud-native delivery, API integration, DevSecOps enablement, secure software delivery, and operational data interoperabilityContribute to scalable engineering patterns, modernization guidance, and technical implementation frameworks supporting long-term modernization effortsAssist mission teams in translating operational modernization needs into actionable engineering approaches and delivery strategiesDistributed Team Coordination and Operational SupportServe as a day-to-day operational coordination lead supporting distributed modernization efforts spanning enterprise and forward-deployed mission environmentsHelp maintain execution alignment across modernization initiatives, mission engagements, and cross-functional technical effortsCoordinate closely with embedded operational leads, acquisition specialists, and enterprise modernization partners to support integrated mission outcomesSupport onboarding, collaboration, and operational integration efforts across geographically dispersed modernization teamsHelp establish operational cadence, communication patterns, and coordination workflows supporting distributed mission executionProvide concise executive-level reporting on modernization progress, operational risks, and technical integration effortsEnterprise Modernization IntegrationDevelop reusable engineering frameworks, modernization playbooks, integration patterns, and operational guidance supporting scalable mission modernization effortsTranslate operational modernization lessons learned into enterprise modernization recommendations and technical best practicesSupport cross-functional modernization efforts spanning operational users, technical teams, and mission stakeholders across multiple environmentsContribute to Agile Defense modernization initiatives supporting long-term mission growth and enterprise modernization strategyEducation and Background10+ years of experience across software engineering, systems architecture, platform engineering, DevSecOps, or defense modernization environments3+ years in a senior technical leadership role supporting modernization initiatives or complex mission-focused technology environmentsYears of Experience 10+ years Required SkillsStrong understanding of modern software delivery practices including cloud-native engineering, API integration, DevSecOps, CI/CD, and secure software delivery principlesExperience supporting distributed technical teams, modernization initiatives, or enterprise engineering efforts across complex organizationsAbility to translate operational modernization needs into actionable technical strategies and scalable engineering approachesExperience operating across technical, operational, and stakeholder environments requiring cross-functional coordination and executionStrong communication, stakeholder engagement, and operational coordination skillsPreferred SkillsActive TS/SCI clearanceExperience supporting software modernization initiatives within Combatant Command, joint, or operational defense environmentsFamiliarity with modern defense software delivery ecosystems, software factories, or mission-focused engineering organizationsExperience supporting operational data integration, command-and-control environments, or distributed mission systemsFamiliarity with secure cloud delivery models, DevSecOps enablement, and modern deployment approaches within regulated environmentsExposure to AI/ML-enabled workflows, mission-focused software delivery, or operational technology modernization efforts preferredExperience working within fast-moving modernization, innovation, or transformation-focused organizations preferredWorking Conditions Primary work will be conducted on-site within the Northern Virginia / Pentagon corridor area in support of distributed modernization efforts and mission stakeholder engagement. CONUS and limited OCONUS travel (e.g. HI, US) supporting operational modernization initiatives and mission coordination is expected. $180,000 - $225,000 a yearOur Core ValuesEmployees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together.
Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together.What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.Happy - Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.Helpful - Be Supportive.
Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.Honest - Be Trustworthy. Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.Humble - Be Grounded. Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.Hungry - Be Eager. Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.Hustle - Be Driven. Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities