Lynker is seeking an experienced and successful Vice President of Defense Operations to lead the development and expansion of our Department of Defense (DoD) business unit. This executive will be responsible for cultivating new opportunities, capturing key federal solicitations, and securing preferred contractor status with various military and defense agencies.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with strong ties across the DoD—including the Navy, Army, Air Force, and related agencies—and a proven record of business development and operations management in federal contracting.

Must reside within the DC Metro area.

Active Top Secret Clearance required.

Duties of the Vice President of Defense Operations will include the following:

• Strategic Development:

• Build and lead a new DoD-focused business unit aligned with Lynker’s long-term growth strategy.
• Identify and assess new market opportunities within DoD sectors and set a roadmap for engagement and expansion.

• Capture & Growth:

• Drive successful pursuit and capture of DoD contracts through market research, pipeline development, proposal oversight, and relationship cultivation.
• Serve as the primary interface with key decision-makers within the Pentagon, defense labs, and operational commands.
• Secure positions on government-wide acquisition contracts (GWACs), Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, and other key procurement vehicles.

• Partnerships:

• Forge and manage strategic partnerships with primes, subcontractors, and industry influencers to build teaming arrangements that enhance competitiveness.
• Advocate for and support initiatives that enable Lynker to become a preferred and trusted defense contractor.

• Agency Relationships:

• Leverage existing relationships and cultivate new ones with stakeholders in the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and related agencies.
• Represent Lynker in industry forums, conferences, and working groups tied to the federal defense sector.

• Operational Leadership:

• Oversee start-up and execution of newly won DoD contracts.
• Partner with internal support functions—HR, finance, compliance, and technical teams—to ensure operational excellence and mission alignment.

The Ideal Vice President of Defense Operations will have the following Qualifications:

• 20+ years of experience in defense contracting, federal business development, or operational leadership within or in support of DoD agencies.
• Former federal employee or military officer (e.g., O-5 to O-7 level) strongly preferred, with direct experience navigating federal procurement and acquisition.
• Strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, SBIR/STTR programs, and DoD contract vehicles.
• Demonstrated success in capture strategy, proposal development, and customer engagement.
• Deep, established relationships with senior leadership in defense agencies and a history of winning multi-million-dollar federal contracts.
• The ideal Vice President of Defense Operations, will reside in the DC Metro area, though we are open to someone who is not local, who has the skillsets we are seeking.
• Ability to travel regularly to meet with government customers and partners.

Key Competencies of the Vice President of Defense Operations should include the following:

• Proven track record of winning DoD programs
• Fluent and knowledgeable with the Technology Innovation needs of the DoD Industrial Complex
• Executive presence and strategic thinking
• Mission-focused and results-driven
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build something from the ground up

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.