Director, Mission Applications

North Wind

. Lead transition, integration, and field deployment of target mission applications across North Wind’s digital ecosystem .

Posted 9/15/2026full-timeNewport News • Minnesota • United StatesLead💰 $135,000 - $200,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading defense program management and technical product ownership, with a strong focus on Agile methodologies and multi-sensor data fusion. Proven ability to manage geographically distributed teams and oversee the full lifecycle of high-value programs within national security environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Defense Program ManagementAgile Product OwnershipMulti-Sensor Data FusionField Operations LeadershipActive Secret Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program ManagementSoftware Product ManagementField Trial PlanningDigital ManufacturingAI-Driven Decision SupportMulti-Domain Security RequirementsCUI ComplianceCI/CD PracticesModular ArchitectureData Processing

Soft Skills

LeadershipTeam CoordinationResource AllocationProfessional DevelopmentCustomer Engagement

Tools & Technologies

Simulation EnginesDigital TwinsAI ModelsAgile FrameworksKanbanFeature-Driven Development

Certifications & Qualifications

DAWIA Program Management CertificationPMP Certification

Industry Keywords

DoDDARPAIARPAAFRLDHSNational SecurityCompetitive Government SolicitationsBAAsERISMulti-Phase Proposals

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead transition, integration, and field deployment of target mission applications across North Wind’s digital ecosystem
Bridge advanced R&D and frontline mission execution
Oversee customer-facing applications for high-speed flight test analytics, wind tunnel data processing, digital manufacturing, and AI-enabled digital engineering decision support
Lead program execution, software product management, field operations, and business growth
Manage geographically distributed teams of software engineers, AI/ML scientists, systems integrators, and subcontractor partners
Partner with the Director of Digital Platforms to integrate simulation engines, digital twins, and AI models into user-facing mission applications
Manage full lifecycle programs valued at $1M–$30M+ across DoD and DARPA clients
Function as Product Owner/Product Lead and establish Agile software development roadmaps
Direct field trials, on-site customer engagements, and tactical demonstrations
Lead capture efforts, proposal development, and growth strategies
Establish software development discipline, including DRY principles, modular architecture, CI/CD, and human-readable documentation
Supervise staff, allocate resources, recruit talent, and support professional development
Coordinate teams across small businesses, defense contractors, national laboratories, and academic institutions

Requirements

What you’ll need

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 within DoD, IC, or national security environments
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, including BAAs, ERIS, and multi-phase oral and written proposals
Demonstrated experience acting as Product Owner for multi-contract software platforms and leading cross-functional engineering teams in Agile environments
Proven background planning and conducting field trials, user evaluations, and on-site customer integrations for hardware/software systems
Direct line-management experience supervising technical staff, subcontractors, and geographically distributed teams
Demonstrated expertise in multi-sensor data fusion, digital manufacturing/production planning, space situational awareness, or AI-driven decision support
Strong command of Agile frameworks, including Kanban and Feature-Driven Development
Deep understanding of CUI, CDI, IL4–IL7, CMMC, and multi-domain security requirements
Active Secret clearance with eligibility for Top Secret/SCI, or active Top Secret/SCI clearance
Must be eligible to work in the United States
Preferred: Advanced degree (M.S.) in Engineering, Technical Management, or related field
Preferred: Prior military operational experience combined with defense industry program leadership
Preferred: Experience integrating generative AI, LLMs/VLMs, graph analytics, or digital twins into operational workflows
Preferred: DAWIA Program Management certification or PMP certification

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal opportunity employment
Pre-employment background checks and drug testing
Safe and drug-free workplace