[Hiring] Director, Mission Applications @NORTH WIND SYSTEMS LLC

Role Description

North Wind is seeking an operational leader and technical strategist to serve as Director, Mission Applications. In this role, you will lead the transition, integration, and field deployment of North Wind’s target mission applications across our digital ecosystem. Functioning similarly to a Field Operations Director, you will bridge the gap between advanced research and development (R&D) and frontline mission execution—ensuring cutting-edge software tools, AI/ML analytics, multi-sensor data fusion platforms, and digital twins deliver decisive operational impact for defense and intelligence partners. The Director will oversee a portfolio of customer-facing mission applications spanning high-speed flight test analytics, wind tunnel data processing pipelines, digital manufacturing for defense production, and AI-enabled digital engineering decision support. Operating across unclassified through classified environments (IL2 to IL7, CUI, Secret, and Top Secret), you will drive product roadmaps, manage complex program execution, lead field trials, and partner with defense clients to accelerate system adoption.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across program execution, software product management, field operations, and business growth.
• Manage cross-functional, geographically distributed teams of software engineers, AI/ML scientists, systems integrators, and subcontractor partners.
• Strong systems engineering background, disciplined program management expertise, and hands-on experience executing field trials and customer engagements in sensitive military/defense environments.
• Work closely with the Director of Digital Platforms to ingest core simulation engines, digital twins, and AI models into intuitive, user-facing mission applications.
• Key areas of responsibility include:
• Operational leadership and strategic oversight of North Wind’s portfolio of target mission applications, field deployments, and operational software integration.
• Managing full lifecycle program execution ($1M–$30M+ value) across DOD and DARPA clients.
• Functioning as Product Owner/Product Lead across core mission applications; establishing software development roadmaps using Agile methodologies.
• Directing field trials, on-site customer engagements, and tactical demonstrations to validate software performance.
• Leading and supporting capture efforts, proposal development, and growth strategies for applied AI/ML, data fusion, and mission-focused opportunities.
• Establishing software development discipline across mission application repositories.
• Direct supervision, resource allocation, talent acquisition, and professional development for program managers, product owners, and field integration engineers.
• Coordinating multi-organizational teams spanning small businesses, non-traditional defense contractors, national laboratories, and academic institutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Operations Research, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in defense program management, technical product ownership, or field operations.
• 5+ years executing DARPA, IARPA, AFRL, or DHS advanced technology programs from concept through field deployment.
• Proven track record leading capture efforts and responding to competitive government solicitations.
• Demonstrated experience acting as Product Owner for multi-contract software platforms.
• Proven background planning and conducting field trials, user evaluations, and on-site customer integrations.
• Direct line-management experience supervising technical staff, sub-contractors, and geographically distributed teams.

Requirements

• Demonstrated expertise overseeing applications in one or more domain areas: multi-sensor data fusion, digital manufacturing/production planning, space situational awareness (SSA), or AI-driven decision support.
• Strong command of Agile frameworks (Kanban, Feature-Driven Development).
• Deep understanding of program execution within regulated boundaries (CUI, CDI, IL4–IL7, CMMC).
• Operational discipline and situational awareness honed in tactical, high-consequence, or operational defense environments.
• Active Secret clearance with eligibility for Top Secret/SCI, or an active Top Secret/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.S.) in Engineering, Technical Management, or related field.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Prior military operational experience combined with defense industry program leadership.
• Experience integrating generative AI, LLMs/VLMs, graph analytics, or digital twins into end-user operational workflows.
• DAWIA Program Management certification or PMP certification.

Desired Characteristics

• Operational mindset with a focus on field execution, user experience, and practical software delivery.
• Dynamic leader capable of building consensus across distributed teams.
• Exceptional communicator adept at delivering high-stakes customer briefings.
• Grounded, objective problem solver who continuously tests assumptions against field reality.

Benefits

• North Wind is an equal opportunity employer.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
• North Wind supports a safe and drug-free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.
• The salary range provided is a general guideline; actual pay will depend on several factors.
• North Wind is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.
• All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.