Mission Lead

Location: Austin TX (Hybrid on-site with up to 40% - 50% travel)
Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance

NODA is a veteran-owned venture-backed technology company that is transforming how unmanned systems collaborate in complex mission-critical environments. We are developing next-generation solutions that enable the autonomous orchestration of heterogeneous unmanned systems across air sea land and space with vital applications in the defense intelligence and commercial sectors.

Our Mission Leads drive the execution of cutting-edge pilot programs and field demonstrations translating innovative concepts into tangible solutions that showcase our technical solutions to prospective customers and partners.

Joining NODA means working on meaningful technology that pushes the boundaries of autonomy alongside a team that thrives on innovation rapid iteration and collaboration.

We are seeking a Mission Lead to manage customer-facing technical programs pre-sales projects pilot programs and field deployments that showcase and deliver NODA AIs technology. This role combines technical program management expertise operational execution and customer engagement to deliver novel integrations and technical solutions that directly support mission outcomes and business development efforts.

You will work closely with customers Engineering Product Business Development and Operations to ensure each engagement is clearly scoped technically ready successfully executed and positioned for continued operational success. From initial customer requirements through demonstrations integration deployment and operational handoff you will drive cross-functional execution while managing timelines dependencies risks and deliverables.

This is a hands-on customer-facing role for someone who thrives in complex fast-moving environments understands the demands of mission-critical operations and can translate customer needs into actionable technical and operational plans. You will play a key role in turning successful demonstrations and pilots into sustained capabilities and long-term customer value.

• Lead day-to-day execution of customer-facing technical programmes demonstrations pilot programmes and field deployments from initial scoping through integration launch readiness delivery and operational handoff.

• Develop and manage integrated programme plans including milestones schedules dependencies resource requirements risks deliverables and measurable success criteria to ensure on-time on-mission execution.

• Partner with Business Development Product and Engineering to scope pilot programmes novel technology integrations and future capabilities aligned with customer mission requirements and strategic objectives.

• Serve as the primary programmatic and operational liaison between customers government stakeholders and internal cross-functional teams maintaining clear communication alignment and accountability throughout execution. Coordinate across Engineering Product Business Development and Operations to resolve technical and operational challenges manage dependencies and ensure projects are delivered to specification and on schedule.

• Translate customer mission requirements operational workflows technical constraints and success criteria into actionable project plans and coordinated execution priorities.

• Track technical integration progress assess deployment readiness proactively identify and mitigate risks and drive timely decisions necessary to support successful demonstrations pilots and mission execution.

• Collaborate with Product Management to align customer-driven development R&D initiatives and pilot efforts with product roadmaps technical feasibility and strategic direction.

• Gather and synthesise customer feedback operational insights and lessons learned from demonstrations and deployments translating findings into actionable product improvements operational priorities and future capabilities.

• Support Business Development efforts by providing technical and programmatic expertise during customer engagements identifying opportunities to expand successful pilots into larger deployments and sustained programmes.

• Coordinate operational handoffs post-deployment support requirements and issue escalation processes to ensure continuity customer satisfaction and reliable mission performance.

• Travel to customer sites field exercises and operational environments to support demonstrations integrations and deployments hands-on.

• Establish and continuously improve programme execution practices customer onboarding deployment readiness stakeholder communications and operational processes to support scalable repeatable mission delivery.

• Manage programme information customer data and technical details with appropriate discretion in accordance with Nodas security and compliance requirements.
  

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Computer Science Information Systems or a related technical field or equivalent military or operational experience.

• 5 years of experience in technical programme management project management mission management deployment management or related roles within technology defense or mission-critical operational environments.

• Demonstrated experience leading complex cross-functional technical programmes from initial planning and requirements definition through execution delivery and operational handoff.

• Strong organisational programme management and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects competing priorities and evolving requirements.

• Experience working with technical teams and translating customer mission requirements into actionable project plans technical deliverables and measurable success criteria.

• Technical aptitude and experience working with complex hardware software networking infrastructure systems integration or related technical environments.

• Proven track record of managing project scope schedules dependencies resources and risks while delivering complex technical programmes on time and within scope.

• Experience engaging directly with customers technical stakeholders and cross-functional leadership to communicate programme status resolve challenges and drive decisions.

• Previous military government defence technology or defence industry experience particularly supporting operational missions technical deployments or government programmes.

• Experience with autonomous systems robotics unmanned platforms or related technologies including hardware and software integration.

• Field deployment or operational environment experience including hands-on support of demonstrations integrations or operational readiness activities.

• Ability to operate independently establish structure in ambiguous environments and maintain execution momentum in a fast-paced evolving organisation.

• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
  

• Background in pre-sales solutions engineering technical customer engagement or customer-facing mission execution.

• Experience supporting DoD intelligence community or other government stakeholders including familiarity with operational requirements acquisition processes and mission environments.

• Demonstrated experience transitioning prototypes demonstrations or pilot programmes into operational deployments or sustained customer programmes.

• Familiarity with field operations deployment logistics technical integration operational readiness and post-deployment support.

• Advanced degree in a relevant technical business or management discipline such as MS or MBA.
  

• Strong technical program management and organizational capabilities with a demonstrated ability to drive accountability coordinate resources and deliver results across multiple stakeholders.

• Technical aptitude to understand complex autonomous systems integration requirements operational dependencies and mission-critical technical challenges.

• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to understand mission objectives translate technical capabilities into operational value and build trusted working relationships.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with engineers customers government stakeholders and executive leadership.

• Sound judgment and proactive problem-solving skills with the ability to identify risks navigate ambiguity and make informed decisions in dynamic environments.

• Adaptability and willingness to work hands-on across diverse engagements ranging from early-stage technical demonstrations to complex integrations and operational deployments.

• Strong sense of ownership accountability and urgency with a commitment to delivering reliable high-quality outcomes for customers and internal teams.

Our culture fosters collaboration respect and trust empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary comprehensive benefits and opportunities for career addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We offer premium medical dental and vision coverage with zero paycheck premiums for you and your family

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals Company match

• Equity grants for new hires

• Unlimited PTO

• 11 Paid holidays

• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in November & December.

• Generous Parental Leave

• Military Leave for annual training or service requirements

• FSA

• DCFSA

• HSA

• Professional Development Opportunities

• Access to One Medical

• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services such as free legal and financial support are available to you as well.

Mission Leads have opportunities to advance into senior project management roles transition into Product Management or take on broader business development and customer success responsibilities as NODA expands its market presence.

Export Control Compliance

To conform to U.S. government export control regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) you must be a U.S. citizen lawful permanent resident of the U.S. protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Opportunity Statement

NODA AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse inclusive and respectful workplace and to maintaining equitable employment and hiring practices. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and make all employment decisions without regard to race color religion sex (including pregnancy childbirth and related medical conditions) sexual orientation gender identity or expression national origin age disability genetic information protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law.

As a federal contractor NODA AI complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity and affirmative action requirements including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA) as amended. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the recruiting hiring and employment process.

Consistent with applicable federal state and local laws qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with applicable fair chance and ban-the-box laws including the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance where applicable. We actively encourage qualified individuals of all backgrounds including women minorities protected veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply.

NODA AI is committed to fostering an inclusive supportive and accessible work environment for all applicants and employees. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process please dont hesitate to reach out to us at or contact your recruiter so we can provide the support you need.