Strategy & Business Operations Lead

About Vannevar

Vannevar is a defense technology company building AI to deter our adversaries. In the 21st century, conflict moves at algorithmic speed and foresight equals firepower. Our agentic AI is purpose-built to compete with China—from cross-Strait conflict to gray zone coercion. Trained on the most mission-relevant datasets in defense, our technology models adversary behavior, simulates campaigns, and recommends the best course of action to decision makers. Our AI systems are some of the most trusted in the industry and actively used on the front lines of the Indo-Pacific to keep the peace and save lives.

Exceptional technology starts with exceptional people. Vannevar is a small agile team combining world-class engineers with veteran strategists who bring deep expertise in defense and tradecraft. We’re building a company defined by mission impact, user empathy, and disciplined growth. In just three years, we grew from $3M to $80M in ARR, achieved early profitability, and reached unicorn status—proving that disruption doesn’t require an ego, and staying power doesn’t mean standing still.

About The Strategy & Business Operations Lead Role

This role will own key priorities on behalf of Vannevar’s executive team, working closely with the founders of Vannevar. You’ll lead high-impact, cross-functional initiatives that define how Vannevar grows, balancing speed, cost discipline, and operational excellence. After several years of rapid expansion, this role will be critical in helping the company capture new opportunities while strengthening its core operational, financial, and people systems. The position offers broad visibility across the company, close partnership with senior leadership, and a clear path to grow into the Chief of Staff role, or ownership of a specific function / line of business over time.

What you'll do

• Own systems for visibility and accountability, ensuring the company can move fast without losing control of spend, performance, or execution
• Build and scale core operational systems that enable disciplined growth, from improving cost efficiency to upleveling our people strategy to building the infrastructure for future investments
• Work directly with the executive team on other high-impact special projects that drive near-term operational excellence and long-term growth

What we're looking for

• 3–5+ years of experience in startup operations, management consulting, or operational finance — ideally with exposure to defense, national security, or dual-use technology
• Creative problem-solving skills paired with humility, grit, and a willingness to jump in wherever needed
• High-ownership, analytical, and motivated operator, with a track record of driving impact that scales
• Demonstrated ability to partner with senior leadership and executives
• East Coast location preferred (role is remote-first)

What we offer

The salary range for this position is $160,000-$190,000 + equity. Within the range, individual pay is determined by experience, relevant education, and/or training.

Comprehensive Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Remote friendly with WeWork access
• Unlimited PTO, shared downtime during the federal holiday calendar, and company-wide off time at the end of each year
• 401(k) match
• Lifestyle & wellbeing stipends
• Salary top-up during military reserve duty
• Fully paid parental leave
• Child and pet care reimbursement during travel

Vannevar is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don't feel like you're a perfect fit. If you're passionate about contributing to our mission, we'd love to hear from you!

Key skills/competency

• Business Operations
• Strategy Development
• Operational Excellence
• Financial Acumen
• Project Management
• Executive Partnership
• Growth Initiatives
• Process Improvement
• Startup Environment
• Defense Technology