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).

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.

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.

• 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

• 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 executive-level civilian, military and/or industry experience within national security

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: $180,000 USD to $250,000 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. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Applied Intuition is an equal opportunity employer and federal contractor or subcontractor. 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.