Mission Lead – NODA AI

Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid on-site, with up to 30% 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 pre-sales projects, pilot programs, and field deliveries that showcase our technology. This role combines project management expertise with technical acumen to deliver novel integrations and technical solutions that directly support business development efforts. You'll work at the intersection of sales, engineering, and product teams to ensure successful execution of customer-facing demonstrations and pilot programs that can evolve into core product features.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day execution of projects, demonstrations, and customer integrations from initiation through delivery

• Assist in the scoping of pilot programs for novel technologies and future product features in collaboration with sales, product, and engineering teams

• Coordinate across cross-functional teams including sales, engineers, and designers to ensure projects are delivered to specification and on schedule

• Serve as primary liaison between customer-facing teams and internal development efforts during pilot and demonstration phases

• Collaborate with Product Management to align R&D and pilot efforts with product roadmaps and strategic direction

• Gather and synthesize customer feedback from demonstrations and pilots, working with Product to incorporate insights into future roadmaps

• Support business development activities by providing technical expertise and project management for customer engagements

• Manage project timelines and deliverables while maintaining clear communication with all stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

• 3+ years of project management experience, preferably in technology or defense sectors

• Strong organizational and communication skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent projects

• Experience working with technical teams and translating customer requirements into actionable project plans

• Proven track record of delivering complex projects on time and within scope

• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous military, government, or defense industry experience

• Experience with autonomous systems, robotics, or related technologies

• Background in pre-sales, solutions engineering, or customer-facing technical roles

• Advanced degree in relevant field (e.g., MBA, MS, etc.)

• Existing security clearance

• Experience working with DoD or intelligence community stakeholders

Skills & Attributes

• Strong project management and organizational capabilities

• Technical aptitude to understand complex autonomous systems and integration requirements

• Customer-focused mindset with ability to translate technical capabilities into customer value

• Excellent communication skills for interfacing with both technical teams and external stakeholders

• Adaptability to manage diverse projects ranging from field demonstrations to novel technology development

• Problem-solving skills to navigate challenges in dynamic, fast-paced environments

What We Offer

• Hybrid work environment

• Competitive pay

• Flexible time off

• Generous PTO policy

• Federal holidays

• Generous health, dental, and vision benefits

• Free OneMedical membership

• 401(k)

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 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 don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] or contact your recruiter so we can provide the support you need.