Defense Growth & Strategy Lead

Job Posting: Defense Growth & Strategy Lead Company: Locus Lock Location: Westminster, CO (Full-Time, Onsite)

About Us Locus Lock is an innovative startup developing software-defined positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technology for defense and commercial applications. Our software enables resilient navigation across ground, aerial, maritime, and space-based platforms, helping customers operate in GPS-denied and contested environments.

We work with leading aerospace and defense companies, U.S. government organizations, and commercial partners to build the next generation of navigation technology. As an early-stage company, every employee has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the direction and success of the business.

Role Description Locus Lock is seeking a Defense Growth & Strategy Lead to execute Locus Lock’s long-term government strategy and early-stage capture efforts. Working directly with the CEO, you’ll identify where the company should invest its time, resources, and relationships to maximize long-term success across the Department of War (DoW), federal agencies, and the defense industrial base. This is not a traditional business development or proposal management role. Rather than managing day-to-day opportunities, you’ll focus on shaping future opportunities by building relationships, influencing acquisition strategies, and positioning Locus Lock years before programs reach formal procurement.

As the company grows, this role will help shape both our government strategy and our product roadmap by connecting customer needs, acquisition trends, and market signals back into company leadership.

This is a full-time, in-person role based in Westminster, CO. We believe our best work happens when our team is together, so we’re looking for someone excited to build alongside us in the office.

Key Responsibilities Defense Strategy & Market Positioning

• Develop Locus Lock’s long-term government strategy across the Department of War, federal agencies, and the defense industrial base.
• Identify which government organizations, prime contractors, and strategic partners represent the highest-value opportunities.
• Advise leadership on acquisition trends, budget priorities, contract vehicles, and market dynamics.
• Help shape company strategy by connecting government needs with product investments and roadmap decisions.

Capture Strategy

• Develop capture strategies well before formal solicitations are released.
• Build relationships with government program offices, acquisition organizations, and prime contractors.
• Develop teaming strategies and influence opportunity shaping.
• Position Locus Lock as a trusted technology partner before acquisition requirements are finalized.

Strategic Leadership

• Prepare market analyses, competitive assessments, and strategic recommendations for company leadership.
• Evaluate which conferences, partnerships, and organizations generate the highest strategic return.
• Work closely with engineering, product, and business development to align market opportunities with company priorities.
• Lead strategic initiatives that improve Locus Lock’s long-term competitive position within the government market.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Political Science, Public Policy, or another relevant discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in government business development, capture, government relations, defense strategy, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience navigating the Department of War acquisition ecosystem.
• Strong understanding of government budgeting, acquisition processes, and defense contracting.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with senior government and industry stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excited to work in a fast-moving, in-person startup environment.

Preferred

• Experience working with emerging defense technology companies.
• Experience across both government and industry.
• Familiarity with PNT, autonomy, space, robotics, defense software, or related technologies.
• Existing relationships across DoW program offices, acquisition organizations, and major defense primes.

Career Growth You’ll work directly with the CEO and help define how Locus Lock grows within the government market. This role will influence company strategy, product direction, customer relationships, and long-term market positioning. As the company scales, you’ll have the opportunity to build and lead Locus Lock’s government strategy and capture organization.

What We Offer

• Opportunity for significant growth and ownership in an early-stage startup.
• Work directly with the CEO on high-impact strategic initiatives.
• Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, dental, vision, 401(k), paid vacation, paid sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Flexible work schedule within an in-person work environment.

Compensation: $170,000 - $210,000 annual salary + stock options + benefits.

Join us in shaping the future of resilient navigation technology. If you’re excited about influencing the future of defense programs, building strategic relationships, and helping shape how innovative technology reaches government customers before procurement decisions are made, we’d love to hear from you.

Locus Lock is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and uphold equitable hiring practices. We strongly encourage applications from recognized minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We strive to create a supportive environment for all candidates throughout the hiring process.

To learn more about us, visit our website: https://locuslock.com/