Director, DoW Acquisition
About AIRCO
AIRCO is a world leader in carbon conversion technology, paving the way to global energy security by transforming CO₂ into a valuable resource. Its proprietary AIRMADE™ Technology is an adaptable platform that allows any industry to efficiently produce high-demand, fully-formulated synthetic fuels from waste CO₂ and hydrogen.
The company has commercial partnerships with airlines including JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic, amongst others, and has been awarded multiple government contracts, including with NASA and the United States Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit. The company has received industry recognition through awards such as Time Best Inventions, Inc. Best in Business, Fast Company World Changing Ideas, and the XPrize for Carbon Removal.
AIRCO’s many accolades include winning the prestigious Green Chemistry Challenge Award from the Environmental Protection Agency in October 2023, an award given to organizations that reinvent processes to reduce the generation of hazardous substances and byproducts. AIRCO was also declared a winner for the World Economic Forum UpLink Sustainable Aviation Challenge, which accelerates the development of promising technology pathways that enable widespread uptake of SAF.
The Position
We are seeking a Director, DoW Acquisition to lead AIRCO’s interface with the Department of War. This person will own the strategy and execution to move our programs through development and into a formal Program of Record. The role requires deep experience with the DoW acquisition system, from the Pentagon to the Program Executive Offices (PEOs), and proven success selling into the military.
What you get to do
- Lead AIRCO’s overall DoW acquisition strategy for key programs.
- Own the path from demonstration/prototype through to Program of Record and sustained funding.
- Lead the transition from prototype to production, including structuring and securing a production OTA (or equivalent mechanism) that bridges into a long-term acquisition pathway.
- Build and manage relationships with relevant offices in OSD, Services, PEOs, program managers, and requirements communities.
- Map out and manage entry points such as SBIR/STRATFI/TACFI, OTAs, rapid capability offices, and other transition pathways.
- Align AIRCO’s technical roadmap and demos with DoW requirements, budgeting cycles (POM/PPBE), and operational needs.
- Work closely with internal engineering, product, and business teams to shape offerings and documentation for DoW stakeholders.
- Coordinate proposal development for DoW opportunities (BAAs, RFPs, OTAs, etc.).
- Work with Program Managers on reporting on program status, milestones, and risks related to DoW acquisition.
- Represent AIRCO at relevant DoW and industry events, demos, and on-site visits.
What you bring to AIRCO
- 10+ years of prior experience and a track record working in either:
- A DoW organization (e.g., program office, PEO, requirements or acquisition staff), or
- A DoW contractor directly delivering to the U.S. military.
- Direct experience taking a program through development and into a Program of Record or equivalent long-term DoW funding line.
- Deep working knowledge of the DoW acquisition process, including:
- How decisions are made at the Pentagon and within the Services
- Roles of PEOs, PMs, requirements and resourcing staffs
- Key gates, milestones, and documentation.
- Strong network across at least one Service (e.g., Air Force, Army, Navy/USMC) and familiarity with other Services is a plus.
- Experience coordinating across engineering, product, finance, and legal to support DoW engagements.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to brief senior military and civilian leaders.
Bonus Points
- Prior Military experience
- Experience with energy, logistics, fuel, or infrastructure-related programs.
- Prior work on rapid acquisition, experimentation, or prototyping efforts.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a relevant field (public policy, national security, engineering, business) is a plus.
What this role is not
- A technical development role
- Commercial sales role
Working at AIRCO - In addition to standard medical and dental benefits, that kick in Day 1, we provide:
Comprehensive Health Benefits
- Full coverage for employee base premiums on health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 70% coverage for spouse and dependent base premiums.
- Choose between base plans or enhanced options to fit your needs.
Health Savings & Flexibility
- Access company-sponsored HSA and FSA accounts to save on healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Income Protection & Insurance
- Company-paid Short-Term Disability insurance.
- Optional Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance plans.
Time Off & Leave
- Flexible and generous paid time off, including national holidays and sick leave.
- Paid family leave to support you during important life moments.
Retirement Savings
- Tax-deferred 401(k) plan with a 3% company match to help you invest in your future.
Commuter Benefits
- Pre-tax savings on transit and parking, plus monthly company contributions.
Additional Perks
- Ancillary benefits through Sequoia, including pet insurance and financial wellness programs.
- Employee wellness program to support your well-being.Inclusive of Wellhub & One Medical.
- Company-sponsored events and programs that promote an inclusive and values-driven workplace.
- In person weekly catered lunch every Wednesday.
At AIRCO we value employees for their unique perspectives. We are an inclusive affirmative action Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, present or past history of intellectual, learning, mental, or physical disability (including but not limited to blindness) unless AIRCO determines that such disability prevents performance of the work involved, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, marginalized genders and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At AIRCO we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles
This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls, security classification and/or designation as Controlled Unclassified Information. Employment in this position is conditioned on the candidate’s ability to obtain and maintain appropriate government authorization to access technology or information, to the extent required, including without limitation a security clearance, export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items technology or information.
We may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as we deem appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.
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