Architecture & Data Lead

ABOUT DEFCON AI

RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF DISRUPTION. DEFCON AI is an insights company that leverages artificial intelligence, mathematical optimization, data analytics, and software engineering for resilient optimization of complex systems.

In today’s dynamically changing world, DEFCON AI’s technology aligns outcomes with operational goals, better decision making, and empowers customers to anticipate assess, and mitigate the impacts of disruptions.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to define how data moves across the U.S. military’s logistics ecosystem.

As the Architecture and Data Lead, you will own one of the most critical integration challenges in modern DoW software: enabling data to flow reliably across platforms, classification levels, and operational environments — and transforming it into usable, decision-ready information.

You will design and build the integration platform that connects DEFCON AI’s software to the broader logistics C2 ecosystem. This includes developing adapters, common data models, translation layers, synchronization mechanisms, and classification-aware data architecture that ensure systems remain coherent from headquarters to the tactical edge.

This is a senior role combining deep technical execution and system-level architecture leadership. You will define the architecture, build key components, and guide a team of engineers and partners to deliver production-ready integrations across disconnected environments, varied data models, and multi-enclave deployments.

Key Responsibilities

Cross-Platform Integration Architecture

Design and implement the bidirectional data layer connecting major DoW C2 platforms (Palantir and Anduril)

Develop common data models and translation layers to resolve schema and vocabulary mismatches

Build and validate production-grade adapters (e.g., Foundry, Lattice) in live government environments

Advance integration concepts into fully implemented, tested system-level data flows

Data Integration & Authoritative Source Onboarding

Own end-to-end data flow from authoritative DoW systems into and across the platform

Lead onboarding of key data sources (logistics, personnel, maintenance, DoW data platforms)

Extend existing government data pipelines into DEFCON AI production without disrupting delivery

Coordinate with security and DevSecOps teams to enable compliant, reliable data ingestion

Classification-Aware & Cross-Domain Data Architecture

Architect data flows across IL-5, IL-6, and tactical environments with proper segmentation

Implement classification-aware controls (e.g., NOFORN, REL_TO) with fail-safe enforcement

Enable “classify the data, not the network” operations across multi-enclave systems

Interoperability, Standards & Field Execution

Align architecture with JADC2 and Service C2 interoperability standards

Produce and maintain interface control documents (ICDs), schemas, and API contracts

Lead technical execution at exercises: operate integrations, validate flows, and troubleshoot in real time

Capture lessons learned and continuously improve architecture and integration design

Platform Scalability, DDIL & Modernization

Design and implement resilient data synchronization for DDIL environments

Enable bandwidth-aware operation, conflict resolution, and graceful degradation to low-connectivity states

Identify and resolve data architecture bottlenecks (e.g., geospatial scaling constraints)

Lead refactoring and modernization as systems transition into DEFCON AI ownership

Required Qualifications

10+ years of software/systems architecture experience including at least one system-of-systems integration effort delivered to production

5+ years of data architecture or data engineering experience on DoW, logistics, or complex-enterprise systems

Hands on experience building production integration adapters between systems that were not designed to talk to each other

Demonstrated experience operating across multiple classification levels (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6) or equivalent regulated multi-enclave environments.

US Citizenship Required

Active Secret Clearance

Willingness to travel up to 25% to USMC sites, Defcon AI HQ, and industry vendor facilities as required

Preferred Qualifications

Active TS/SCI Clearance

Experience with Palantir and/or Anduril platforms in production environments

Experience with DoW cross-domain solutions

Experience onboarding authoritative DoW data feeds (logistics, readiness, etc.)

Experience with geospatial data architecture (e.g., PostGIS)

Familiarity with USMC or Service-level logistics domains

Experience building systems for DDIL / edge environments

What Success Looks Like

Cross-platform integrations operate successfully in live exercises, with real-time data flowing between systems

Architecture is delivered as working, tested system-level integrations — not just concepts

Authoritative DoW data sources are onboarded with clear lineage and governance

Production data pipelines are extended seamlessly without disrupting existing government workflows

The platform scales effectively, supports DDIL operations, and establishes the program’s standard data model and interfaces

What We Offer:

A fully remote, results-based environment

Competitive salary, bonus, and equity package

100% employer paid, comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision for you and your family

Unlimited PTO, with your manager’s approval

Flexible work environment where you manage your work day

14 weeks of fully-paid parental leave

Salary Range: $175,000-$225,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience, skills, and other factors.