Mission Lead

MISSION LEAD – NODA AI 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 ABOUT NODA 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. THE ROLE 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 AI's 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. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - 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 Noda’s security and compliance requirements. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s 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. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - 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. SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES - 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. BENEFITS & PERKS   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 growth. In 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 https://www.onemedical.com/ - 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.   GROWTH PATH AT NODA 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 a…