Solutions Architect (Director, Technical BD) with Security Clearance

ExistX was founded to bridge the technology transition 'valley of death'the critical gap between groundbreaking research and real-world, user-friendly solutions. Our team excels in applied engineering, transforming cutting-edge advancements in cryptography, cyber-physical systems, and automated reasoning into practical tools for both government and commercial applications. We leverage a unique suite of capabilitiesincubated through our sister R&D firm, Galois, and key research partnershipsto rapidly prototype and deliver impactful solutions. Because of this, at ExistX, youre never starting at zero. Youre launching from a foundation of breakthrough innovation. X.P(X): For every problem (X), a solution exists (P). The solution exists. Lets build it together and never start at zero. The ExistX Solution Architect/Director of Technical Business Development & Capture is a dynamic problem solver who thrives at the intersection of technology, innovation, and business growth. This is not a sit-behind-the-desk roleits for a hands-on technical leader who loves to win, enjoys whiteboarding with end users, brainstorming solutions, and hunting for cutting-edge research that can be transformed into practical, mission-driven capabilities. This individual brings deep technical expertise, a knack for translating complex ideas into actionable solutions, and a sharp ability to bridge the gap between research concepts and operational needs. They are instrumental in assessing technical risks, shaping winning technical strategies, and positioning ExistX to outmaneuver competitors. Their work directly aligns with ExistXs noble causetransforming groundbreaking research into real-world impact. As a key member of the ExistX Growth Team, the Technical Solution Architect/BD & Capture Director collaborates with a multi-disciplinary group of growth-minded professionals to uncover new opportunities, drive innovative solutioning, and secure ExistXs success in competitive pursuits. They play a pivotal role in shaping technical vision, crafting compelling technical narratives, and ensuring ExistX delivers mission-relevant, high-impact solutions to clients. Strategic Impact Aligned with ExistXs Never Start at Zero ethos, the Solution Architect/Technical BD Director plays a key role in ensuring ExistX pursues winnable, high-impact opportunities. By defining technical boundaries earlybased on our available gray boxesthey help focus efforts on the right pursuits, mitigate risk, and maximize ExistXs ability to win and deliver value. Why This Role Matters This role isnt about maintaining the status quoits about driving growth through technical excellence, creative problem-solving, and a relentless pursuit of winning opportunities. The role emphasizes the development of technology architectures and solutions that address the specific needs of government partners. If you love hunting for game-changing ideas, shaping solutions that push the boundaries of innovation, and turning research into mission-ready capabilities, this is the role for you. Key Responsibilities Lead and Win Key Captures **Provide technical leadership during deal shaping, collaborating with the ExistX Growth Team to drive solution ideation and ensure the delivery of competitive, innovative, and mission-aligned solutions. **Shape and refine technical strategies to position ExistX ahead of competitors, ensuring our solutions are both technically superior and operationally differentiated. **Engage directly with customers to assess feasibility, identify risks early, and align proposed solutions with real-world operational needsensuring ExistX only pursues winnable, high-impact opportunities. Advance the ExistX Solution Maturity Model **Expand and refine our catalog of key research (our gray boxes) to strengthen ExistXs Never Start at Zero advantage, ensuring we consistently build on existing knowledge rather than starting from scratch. **Identify, develop, and codify technical win themes and differentiators that position ExistX as the premier partner for transitioning research into applied, mission-ready solutions. Manage & Expand the R&D Partnership Ecosystem **Proactively identify, engage, and cultivate relationships with research partners and product companies whose innovations (gray boxes) can accelerate solution development and enhance ExistXs competitive edge. **Assess and validate technology maturity, operational relevance, and mission alignment to ensure ExistX integrates the right innovations into our solution ecosystem. Ensure Seamless Technical Continuity **Collaborate closely with execution program managers and technical leads during proposal development to ensure proposed solutions are not only technically sound but also realistically executable. **Bridge the gap between capture and execution by providing essential technical context to delivery teams, reducing ramp-up time and ensuring a smooth transition from proposal to implementation. Key Qualifications **Demonstrated experience in development of technology architectures and solutions that address the specific needs of the government customer.. **Proven track record of leading technical captures for government or commercial contracts, including solution ideation, shaping, and technical strategy development. **Technical bachelors or masters degree in a STEM related field and deep understanding in one or more of the following areas: cryptography, cyber-physical systems, automated reasoning, communications, or network security. **Experience working with industry or at least 2 of the following types of organizations: Military Services (COCOMS, Air Force, Army, Space Force, Navy, Marines), Defense Agencies (DTRA, SDA, OSD, etc.), Intelligence Agencies (NSA, CIA, DIA, NRO, NGA, etc.) **Strong ability to develop compelling technical narratives that differentiate ExistXs solutions in competitive government and commercial pursuits. **Strong ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders and effectively engage with government, research partners, and industry leaders. **Experience shaping technical approaches and strategies and evaluating technical feasibility and risks **Ability to assess technical feasibility, maturity, and risks associated with new research or prototype solutions. **Experience working with technical and program teams to ensure seamless transition from capture and proposal phases to successful contract execution. Preferred Qualifications **Background in working with applied research organizations, national labs, or advanced R&D groups to transition research into operational solutions. **Connections with key government R&D organizations, research labs, academia, and tech incubators that can strengthen ExistXs growth efforts. **Background in moving technologies from SBIR/STTR, DIU, DARPA, or similar research programs into fieldable solutions with operational user communities (i.e., USSOCOM, USAF). **Advanced technical degree (MS/PhD) in Computer Science, Engineering, or related STEM field, paired with demonstrated business capture experience **Prior experience in technical management consulting, solution architecture, technical program management or similar roles within the Defense and Aerospace Industry **Get it done mentality **Holds an active Top Secret clearance with SCI
**Experience building business in start-up environments or small businesses **Thrives in an environment that requires autonomy and creativity **Self-motivated with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and solving problems. Location This position will be hybrid, anticipating 3-6 in person days per month in the Ashburn, VA area. There will be limited travel. Security and Citizenship Requirement The employee must have an active secret security clearance but TS with an SCI is preferred. Benefits of Note We offer a robust benefits package to provide for your and your familys well-being, including: 401(k) retirement plan with 5% employer match and immediate vesting Fully paid medical insurance plans for you and your family Employer paid dental and vision plans for you and your family 5 weeks of PTO and 11 days of paid company holidays each year Application Instructions Only candidates applying directly to our posted job opening will be considered. We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies at this time. Equal Employment Opportunity ExistX is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, age, religion, creed, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We encourage and respect different viewpoints and experiences as being essential to the process of innovation. We strive to acquire, grow, and maintain a diverse and inclusive workplace that applies principles and standards equitably while supporting the needs and accommodations of the individual employee. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and federal and state laws, it is the policy of ExistX. to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the employment application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection -process, please contact .