Principal Field Operations Lead

We are looking for a Senior Field Operations Lead to manage complex, multi-site field operations programs supporting defense and national security missions. This role will serve as the senior technical and operational authority in the field, leading deployment activities and mentoring junior field team members while maintaining close coordination with program management and executive leadership.

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in defense program operations, a strong understanding of mission-critical deployment environments, and the leadership capability to guide teams through high-stakes operational challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all field operations activities across assigned multi-site defense programs, ensuring mission readiness and operational effectiveness

• Develop, document, and enforce field standard operating procedures (SOPs) and operational safety protocols

• Conduct field readiness assessments and coordinate pre-deployment preparation activities across personnel, equipment, and logistics

• Serve as senior field coordinator during operational exercises, demonstrations, and live mission deployments

• Mentor and develop junior field operations team members, providing technical guidance and operational coaching

• Produce and present operational performance reports to senior program leadership and government customers

• Identify systemic field operations risks and drive cross-functional resolution with engineering, logistics, and intelligence teams

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Engineering, Military Studies, or a related technical field

• 7+ years of field or technical operations experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead role supporting defense or government programs

• Deep expertise in field logistics, mission coordination, and operational risk management

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in high-pressure, deployment-based environments

• Excellent communication skills including executive briefing and after-action reporting

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP or PMI-ACP certification

• Military service or direct experience embedded with DoD or intelligence community programs

• Active U.S. government security clearance (Secret or above)