VP of Engineering (AI)

TL;DR

VP of Engineering (AI): Lead and scale high-performing team building secure, resilient AI-enabled optimization platforms for defense and high-stakes environments with an accent on technical vision, full-stack architecture, and productionizing complex algorithms. Focus on driving innovation, end-to-end system ownership, and ensuring compliance with DoD security standards.

Location: Remote, USA. Requires US Citizenship and all work performed within the United States

Salary: $250,000-$290,000

Company

Incubation firm building scalable tech companies in healthcare, cyber, and national security; DEFCON AI focuses on AI-driven resilient optimization of complex systems.

What you will do

• Lead and grow engineering team of 10+ senior engineers with focus on mentorship and delivery practices.
• Set technical vision across full stack including frontend, backend, data platforms, and AI integrations.
• Drive innovation and experimentation while maintaining reliability, security, and healthy practices.
• Partner with researchers to productionize complex AI/optimization algorithms.
• Own roadmaps, execution, standards, and architectural decisions balancing speed and maintainability.
• Oversee end-to-end complex systems and champion engineering at leadership level.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading high-performing teams in high-growth/startup environments.
• Strong technical background in web architectures, APIs, distributed systems, cloud platforms.
• Experience productionizing AI, optimization, or data-intensive systems.
• Track record in regulated environments like DoD, IC, federal.
• Working knowledge of CUI, NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, DFARS.
• US Citizenship required; all work within United States.

Nice to have

• Python-based AI/analytics integration.
• Modern DevOps, observability, reliability practices.
• Real-time systems, async processing, data-intensive apps.
• Experience with optimization models, solvers like Pyomo, GAMS.
• RMF, ATO, ITAR/EAR familiarity.

Culture & Benefits

• Fully remote, results-based environment with flexible workday.
• Competitive salary, bonus, equity.
• 100% employer-paid health insurance for family; 14 weeks paid parental leave.
• Unlimited PTO with approval; 401K, FSA options.
• Professional development, mental health benefits.