DevSecOps Project Lead (Sr DevSecOps Engineer)

About Defcon AiRESILIENCE 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 build a production deployment pipeline for mission-critical DoD software from the ground up.As the DevSecOps Project Lead, you will own the end-to-end software delivery lifecycle—from code intake through secure, scalable production deployment. Your charter is simple but high-stakes: ensure that software can be deployed reliably, securely, and on mission timelines in DoD environments.You will design and operate the DevSecOps pipeline, define the hosting architecture, and integrate security and compliance directly into delivery. This role spans both modern commercial DevOps practices and the realities of DoD deployment (IL-5 today with a path to IL-6), requiring you to make critical decisions across government networks, cloud environments, and hybrid architectures.This is a senior role combining hands-on execution with system-level ownership. You will build key components directly while guiding the transition from an existing government-furnished environment to a scalable, long-term production system.Key ResponsibilitiesHosting Architecture & Production EnvironmentDesign and scale hosting architecture in IL-5 environments with a path to IL-6Evaluate and select deployment strategies across government networks, GovCloud, and hybrid platformsBuild a production environment that supports zero-downtime deployments and enterprise-scale growth DevSecOps Pipeline OwnershipDesign, build, and operate a modern CI/CD pipeline with integrated testing, security scanning, and compliance validationEstablish and manage development, staging, and production environmentsEnsure alignment with DoD requirements (e.g., Iron Bank, STIGs, ACAS/OpenSCAP, FIPS) Transition & System ConsolidationLead transition from incumbent contractor and government-furnished environmentsInventory, assess, and rationalize existing services, dependencies, and infrastructureSimplify and consolidate architecture into a scalable, maintainable system Release Management & Delivery PerformanceOwn release cadence from capability intake through production deploymentEnsure deployment quality through monitoring, rollback readiness, and performance metrics (e.g., uptime, failure rates)Support continuous delivery aligned with government timelines and operational needs Security Integration & ATO ReadinessPartner with Platform Security and RMF leadership to align on ATO strategyEnsure the pipeline generates required artifacts for authorization and continuous complianceEmbed security and compliance into the delivery lifecycle—not as a post-deployment step Required Qualifications8+ years of DevOps/DevSecOps engineering experience, including at least one production pipeline owned end-to-end at scale5+ years experience operating in DoD cloud environments (Azure Gov IL-5, AWS GovCloud, or equivalent IL-5 authorized environment). Working knowledge of DoD impact-level boundaries and the CC SRG.3Hands-on experience managing at least one complete ATO or cATO pathway in production.US Citizenship RequiredActive Secret Clearance (TS/SCI preferred)Willingness to travel up to 25% to USMC sites, Defcon AI HQ, and industry vendor facilities as required Preferred QualificationsActive TS/SCI ClearanceExperience supporting USMC or similar Service environments ]Experience transitioning systems from one contractor to anotherExperience with Iron Bank container certificationFamiliarity with platforms such as Second Front (Game Warden), Stormbreaker, or Black PearlExposure to Palantir Foundry or Anduril Lattice environment What Success Looks LikeA reliable, repeatable production deployment pipeline operating with a predictable cadenceA clear, effective deployment strategy across both government and industry environmentsSeamless transition from incumbent systems with no disruption to mission capabilityATO and compliance requirements integrated directly into the pipelineInfrastructure and deployment bottlenecks resolved to support enterprise-scale operations What We Offer: A fully remote, results-based environmentCompetitive salary, bonus, and equity package100% employer paid, comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision for you and your familyUnlimited PTO, with your manager's approvalFlexible work environment where you manage your work day14 weeks of fully-paid parental leaveSalary Range: $175,000-$215,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience, skills, and other factors.We're an Equal Opportunity Employer: You'll receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.Applicant Data Disclosure By submitting an application, you acknowledge that Defcon AI uses third-party service providers to facilitate its recruitment and hiring processes. These providers include applicant tracking systems, candidate verification platforms, and fraud detection tools (collectively, "Hiring Platforms"). Your application materials, including your résumé, cover letter, work samples, responses to application questions, and any other information you submit, may be transmitted to and processed by these Hiring Platforms for the following purposes:Managing and administering your application throughout the hiring process; Verifying the accuracy and authenticity of application materials, including by cross-referencing information you provide against publicly available sources and proprietary databases; Identifying indicators of potentially fraudulent, fabricated, or materially misleading application content, including but not limited to discrepancies between submitted materials and publicly available professional profiles, geographic anomalies, and fabricated work histories. Applications that are flagged through this process as containing indicators of fraud or material misrepresentation may be declined from further consideration. If you have questions about the status of your application or the evaluation process, please contact recruiting@defconai.com. Defcon AI requires its Hiring Platform providers to process your information solely for the purposes described above and in accordance with applicable law. Your information will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill these purposes and any applicable legal obligations, after which it will be deleted in accordance with Defcon AI's data retention policies.For more information about how your data is used, please refer to our Privacy Policy and Applicant Privacy Notice.