Principal Nontraditional Contracting Strategist

Tyto's TALON (Technology Accelerator Lab for Operational Needs) represents a strategic bet on innovation -- transforming emerging technologies into mission-ready capabilities at speed. As TALON scales, we are searching for a Nontraditional Contracting Leader who can unlock the full potential of flexible acquisition authorities that traditional FAR-based contracting can't touch. This Strategist will be simultaneously the guardrails and the accelerator for our innovation pipeline -- the catalyst that transforms cutting-edge ideas into funded programs by mastering the art and science of nontraditional contracting mechanisms.

Working at the intersection of technology, policy, and mission need, this Strategist will partner with the TALON and innovation teams, business development teams, warfighters, and customer stakeholders to identify the fastest paths from concept to contract. Your mandate is clear: find ways to get to 'yes' and get that yes across the contracting line, at speed.

The ideal candidate combines deep acquisition expertise with entrepreneurial mindset. You're as comfortable reviewing legal language in an OTA agreement as whiteboarding strategies with engineers in our innovation lab. You have the gravitas to advise senior leadership on complex compliance questions and the agility to pivot when circumstances change. You're energized by ambiguity and see constraints as design challenges rather than roadblocks.

This Strategist will be the contracting expert who makes hard calls, removes obstacles, and ensures TALON's engineers can focus on innovation while you handle acquisition complexity. This role sits at the strategic table, with this Strategist shaping what we pursue, how we compete, and how we scale. You genuinely believe better acquisition processes create mission advantage, and you have the track record to prove it.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Architecture

• Design and implement Tyto's nontraditional acquisition strategy aligned with TALON's mission to rapidly prototype and transition emerging technologies
• Build relationships with government consortia, OTA intermediaries (ATI, NSTXL, MCIC), and innovation offices across DoD, IC, and civilian agencies
• Identify and qualify for emerging contract vehicles (as they evolve
• Create playbooks for optimal vehicle selection: OTAs, CSOs, SBIR Phase III, and traditional mechanisms-with focus on realizing nontraditional approaches

Operational Excellence

• Lead end-to-end execution of nontraditional agreements-from opportunity identification through proposal, negotiation, award, and performance
• Navigate prototype-to-production transitions, including Other Transaction Production Authorities and follow-on procurement strategies
• Manage IP strategy, data rights, and commercial item determinations unique to nontraditional environments
• Work directly with customers and warfighters through CRADA partnerships to translate real-world mission challenges into executable contracting strategies

Organizational Enablement

• Serve as internal expert and evangelist for nontraditional acquisition, educating BD, technical, finance, and leadership teams
• Build templates, tools, and training to scale nontraditional contracting capability across Tyto's three verticals: ADA (Army & Defense Agencies), SAS (Space, Air & Sea), and JNS (Justice & National Security)
• Partner with pricing and finance to develop cost models that work within the flexibility of OT authorities
• Collaborate with TALON technical leadership to shape R&D roadmaps around fundable, executable acquisition strategies
• Identify where nontraditional vehicles create competitive advantages and enable horizontal positioning of technology differentiators like Stack Armor capabilities

External Influence

• Represent Tyto in industry consortia including NSIN, SOFWERX, and emerging collaborative ecosystems
• Cultivate strategic relationships with DIU, AFWERX, Army Applications Lab, and other DoD/IC innovation offices
• Track legislative and policy changes affecting OTAs, CSOs, and commercial pathways

Qualifications

Required:

• 10+ years in government contracting, with at least 5 years executing or managing nontraditional agreements
• Deep expertise in OTAs (research, prototype, production), CSOs, and SBIR/STTR Phase III direct awards
• Proven track record executing nontraditional agreements exceeding $5M with measurable impact on timelines
• Experience navigating consortium memberships and understanding of intermediaries
• Working knowledge of FAR Part 12, 10 USC 4022, and DoD/IC innovation authorities
• Strong business acumen: can speak the language of BD, capture, pricing, and technical teams
• Exceptional communication skills: can explain complex strategies to non-experts and defend positions to skeptics

Desired:

• Direct experience supporting R&D labs, innovation cells, or rapid capability offices
• Background in emerging technology sectors (AI/ML, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure) and dual-use technology contracting
• Understanding of IP strategy, licensing, and data rights in collaborative R&D environments
• Experience with cost-sharing, public-private partnerships, or hybrid funding models
• Knowledge of Middle Tier Acquisition, Adaptive Acquisition Framework, Software Acquisition Pathways, CMMC, FedRAMP
• Existing relationships within DoD/IC innovation ecosystems
• Professional certifications (CPCM, CFCM)

Clearance:

• Ability to secure a Secret clearance (TS/SCI eligibility preferred)

Location:

• Reston, VA (hybrid/remote possible for right candidate). Some travel (25%) possible for customer engagements, consortium meetings, and conferences.

About Tyto Athene

Compensation:

• Compensation is unique to each candidate and relative to the skills and experience they bring to the position. This does not guarantee a specific salary as compensation is based upon multiple factors such as education, experience, certifications, and other requirements, and may fall outside of the above-stated range.

Benefits:

• Highlights of our benefits include Health/Dental/Vision, 401(k) match, Paid Time Off, STD/LTD/Life Insurance, Referral Bonuses, professional development reimbursement, and parental leave.

Tyto Athene is a trusted leader in IT services and solutions, delivering mission-focused digital transformation that drives measurable success. Our expertise spans four core technology domains-Network Modernization, Hybrid Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Enterprise IT-empowering our clients with cutting-edge solutions tailored to their evolving needs. With over 50 years of experience, Tyto Athene proudly support Defense, Intelligence, Space, National Security, Civilian, Health, and Public Safety clients across the United States and worldwide.

At Tyto Athene, we believe that success starts with our people. We foster a collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven environment where every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of technology. Are you ready to join #TeamTyto?

Tyto Athene, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, [sexual orientation, gender identity,] national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by applicable law.