Director, DoW Acquisition

The Position

We are seeking a Director, DoW Acquisition to lead AIRCO’s interface with the Department of War. This person will own the strategy and execution to move our programs through development and into a formal Program of Record. The role requires deep experience with the DoW acquisition system, from the Pentagon to the Program Executive Offices (PEOs), and proven success selling into the military.

What you get to do

• Lead AIRCO’s overall DoW acquisition strategy for key programs.
• Own the path from demonstration/prototype through to Program of Record and sustained funding.
• Lead the transition from prototype to production, including structuring and securing a production OTA (or equivalent mechanism) that bridges into a long-term acquisition pathway.
• Build and manage relationships with relevant offices in OSD, Services, PEOs, program managers, and requirements communities.
• Map out and manage entry points such as SBIR/STRATFI/TACFI, OTAs, rapid capability offices, and other transition pathways.
• Align AIRCO’s technical roadmap and demos with DoW requirements, budgeting cycles (POM/PPBE), and operational needs.
• Work closely with internal engineering, product, and business teams to shape offerings and documentation for DoW stakeholders.
• Coordinate proposal development for DoW opportunities (BAAs, RFPs, OTAs, etc.).
• Work with Program Managers on reporting on program status, milestones, and risks related to DoW acquisition.
• Represent AIRCO at relevant DoW and industry events, demos, and on-site visits.

What you bring to AIRCO

• 10+ years of prior experience and a track record working in either:
  • A DoW organization (e.g., program office, PEO, requirements or acquisition staff), or
  • A DoW contractor directly delivering to the U.S. military.
• Direct experience taking a program through development and into a Program of Record or equivalent long-term DoW funding line.
• Deep working knowledge of the DoW acquisition process, including:
  • How decisions are made at the Pentagon and within the Services
  • Roles of PEOs, PMs, requirements and resourcing staffs
  • Key gates, milestones, and documentation.
• Strong network across at least one Service (e.g., Air Force, Army, Navy/USMC) and familiarity with other Services is a plus.
• Experience coordinating across engineering, product, finance, and legal to support DoW engagements.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to brief senior military and civilian leaders.

Bonus Points

• Prior Military experience
• Experience with energy, logistics, fuel, or infrastructure-related programs.
• Prior work on rapid acquisition, experimentation, or prototyping efforts.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a relevant field (public policy, national security, engineering, business) is a plus.

What this role is not

• A technical development role
• Commercial sales role

Working at AIRCO - In addition to standard medical and dental benefits, that kick in Day 1, we provide:

Comprehensive Health Benefits

• Full coverage for employee base premiums on health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 70% coverage for spouse and dependent base premiums.
• Choose between base plans or enhanced options to fit your needs.

Health Savings & Flexibility

• Access company-sponsored HSA and FSA accounts to save on healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Income Protection & Insurance

• Company-paid Short-Term Disability insurance.
• Optional Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance plans.

Time Off & Leave

• Flexible and generous paid time off, including national holidays and sick leave.
• Paid family leave to support you during important life moments.

Retirement Savings

• Tax-deferred 401(k) plan with a 3% company match to help you invest in your future.

Commuter Benefits

• Pre-tax savings on transit and parking, plus monthly company contributions.

Additional Perks

• Ancillary benefits through Sequoia, including pet insurance and financial wellness programs.
• Employee wellness program to support your well-being.Inclusive of Wellhub & One Medical.
• Company-sponsored events and programs that promote an inclusive and values-driven workplace.
• In person weekly catered lunch every Wednesday.