Defense Growth Lead, USSOCOM

We are hiring a Defense Growth Lead to drive Ridgeline's expansion within USSOCOM and the SOF Enterprise. This is a high-impact, individual contributor role built for someone who has served in or alongside the special operations community and knows that trust, discretion, and mission understanding matter far more than a polished sales deck. Priority areas include USSOCOM, its Theater Special Operations Commands, and the broader SOF Enterprise. 

This is not transactional sales. It is relationship-driven growth in high-trust environments where mission intimacy and technical credibility are the primary levers for success. You will be joining a specialized growth team that values technical depth over slick pitches, with the autonomy to solve hard problems and the backing of a world-class technical team. 

What You Will Accomplish in Your First 6 Months 

• Master the Mission Technology: Become deeply fluent in Ridgeline's secure technology and services, with the ability to speak credibly to SOF operators and senior commanders about mission impact. 
• Establish Strategic Engagement: Build trusted, discreet relationships with key stakeholders across the USSOCOM enterprise. 
• Scale the Small Win: Establish pilot engagements and develop a clear path to scale them into multi-year, enduring program relationships. 
• Validate Market Hypotheses: Use your existing SOF network to surface opportunities and inform Ridgeline's strategic approach to this market. 

What You Will Do 

• Drive new business growth by leveraging deep operator credibility and established relationships within the SOF enterprise. 
• Analyze complex operational needs in sensitive and classified environments and align Ridgeline's solutions to those requirements. 
• Engage large primes and industry partners to build momentum and expand Ridgeline's presence in the SOCOM market. 
• Lead development of strategic outreach materials including white papers, technical briefs, and proposals that resonate with SOF mission leaders and acquisition officials. 
• Represent Ridgeline at relevant industry forums, private briefings, and technical demonstrations. 
• Support RFI and RFP responses with market intelligence and competitive positioning. 
• Travel to key SOCOM locations and mission hubs to maintain close customer relationships. 

How You Will Be Measured 

• Quality and growth of qualified USSOCOM and SOF enterprise opportunities in the pipeline. 
• Successful execution of capture strategies, including customer shaping and teaming arrangements. 
• Achievement of annual bookings targets. 
• Contribution to proposal win rate and contract awards. 
• Depth and durability of trusted relationships across the SOF enterprise. 

What You Bring 

Must Haves: 

• Active Secret clearance at a minimum 
• Deep operational familiarity with USSOCOM, its component commands, or the broader SOF enterprise. 
• A technical background in communications, networks, cyber operations, or related disciplines sufficient to engage credibly with mission-focused stakeholders. 
• Proven ability to translate small technical wins into larger, enduring program relationships. 
• Willingness to travel frequently to SOCOM locations and mission hubs. 

Nice to Haves: 

• Familiarity with federal procurement including OTAs, GSA vehicles, and DoD budgeting cycles. 
• 3 or more years of proven experience in federal solutions or growth roles within the SOF community. 
• Experience managing a pipeline of opportunities valued at $25M or more. 
• Experience in a high-growth technology company or in technical program management. 

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Innovative Environment: Work in a setting where your ideas and expertise are valued.
• Collaborative Culture: Be part of a team that supports each other and works toward shared goals.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Here are some Perks of being a Ridgeliner!

• Flexible PTO + holidays
• Generous 401k match benefit up to 10%, with an automatic 3% safe harbor contribution and additional matching based on employee contributions.
• Medical (HSA & PPO Plans Available), dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Employer Contribution to Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Professional coaching services
• Get the technology you want to do your job
• We have free daily snacks & drinks

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office 
• Constantly work with computers and other information technology equipment
• The ability to communicate information and ideas in a classroom style format, may stand at a podium for long periods of time

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with Ridgeline International through its online applicant system, please contact Ridgeline's Talent Management Department at (703) 544-2424 or contact us through e-mail at contact_us@ridgelineintl.com