Director of Defense Security

Responsibilities

• Lead security and IT strategy for the Defense Business Unit across classified and unclassified environments.
• Architect and operate secure enterprise and engineering environments supporting CUI and classified data handling.
• Build and scale secure networks, enclave architectures, endpoint security, and identity systems.
• Drive implementation and operational maturity for CMMC, IL4/5/6, NIST 800-171, and NIST 800-53.
• Partner with engineering and product teams to enable secure development and deployment pipelines.
• Manage, mentor, and scale a high-performing team of 10+ security and IT professionals.
• Lead audits, assessments, and accreditations for government programs.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity, infrastructure, enterprise IT, or security engineering leadership.
• Proven experience leading security and IT programs in defense, aerospace, or highly regulated environments.
• Deep understanding of CUI handling, classified networks, and secure enclave architectures.
• Familiarity with frameworks such as CMMC, NIST 800-171, NIST 800-53, or FedRAMP.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Ability to work onsite 5 days per week in the Washington D.C./Virginia area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.
• Experience in commercial-first or dual-use technology companies.
• Experience operating in high-growth, fast-paced environments.
• Knowledge of international defense security frameworks or FMS compliance.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary ($200,000 - $260,000 USD) and equity.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401k retirement benefits with employer match.
• Learning and wellness stipends.
• Paid time off.

About the Company

Applied Intuition is powering the future of physical AI. We are creating the digital infrastructure needed to bring intelligence to every moving machine on the planet, servicing the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining, and agriculture industries. Our solutions are trusted by the world's leading automakers and the United States military.