ABOUT DEFCON AI

RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF DISRUPTION. DEFCON AI is an insights company that leverages artificial intelligence, mathematical optimization, data analytics, and software engineering for resilient optimization of complex systems.
In today’s dynamically changing world, DEFCON AI’s technology aligns outcomes with operational goals, better decision making, and empowers customers to anticipate assess, and mitigate the impacts of disruptions.

About the Role

DEFCON AI is seeking an experienced Executive Administrator & Office Manager to support our executive leadership team and help maintain the smooth operation of our McLean, VA office. This role is ideal for a highly organized, proactive professional who enjoys balancing executive support, operational coordination, and office management responsibilities.

This is a hybrid position with three days in our McLean, VA office.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Support (Approximately 50%)

Manage complex calendars for multiple executives, coordinating meetings across internal and external stakeholders.
Prioritize scheduling requests and resolve calendar conflicts while balancing changing business needs.
Coordinate leadership meetings, offsites, and executive travel arrangements as needed.
Prepare meeting materials, agendas, and supporting documentation.
Track follow-up actions and help ensure key commitments remain visible and organized.
Serve as a trusted point of contact for executives, exercising professionalism and discretion with sensitive information.

Expense Management & Administrative Operations (Approximately 30%)

Manage expense reporting and reconciliation through Concur and DEFCON AI's ERP platform, Unanet.
Review expense submissions for accuracy, completeness, and policy compliance.
Partner with Finance to resolve discrepancies and ensure timely processing.
Maintain organized records of expenses, receipts, and supporting documentation.
Support administrative workflows related to purchasing, invoices, and vendor coordination.

Office Management (Approximately 20%)

Serve as the primary point of contact for day-to-day operations of the McLean office.
Coordinate mail and package handling.
Assist employees with office access, badge/card access requests, and workspace needs.
Coordinate office supplies, equipment, and vendor services.
Support onboarding and offboarding activities related to office logistics.
Help plan and coordinate occasional onsite meetings, team gatherings, and company events.

What we're looking for:

5+ years of experience in executive administration, office management, or a related administrative support role in a professional environment
Demonstrated experience supporting senior executives and managing complex calendars.
Experience processing expenses, reimbursements, and administrative records.
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt in a fast-paced environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and customer-service orientation, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization
High degree of professionalism, discretion, and judgment when handling confidential information
Proficiency with Slack and Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
Demonstrated ability to anticipate needs, take initiative, and work with minimal supervision.
Must be located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and able to work onsite in the McLean/Tysons corner office three days per week.

Nice to Have:

Experience using Concur or similar for expense management.
Experience supporting executive leadership teams within a technology, government contracting, or startup environment.
Experience coordinating travel, meetings, and company events
Bachelor's Degree with at least 2 years' experience in the administrative professional field and/or events planning

What Success looks like:

Executive calendars run smoothly with minimal scheduling conflicts.
Expense reports are processed accurately and on time.
Leadership teams receive responsive, proactive support.
The McLean office remains organized, functional, and welcoming.
Employees have a positive onsite experience and can quickly resolve office-related needs.
Administrative processes are well organized and scalable as the company grows.

What We Offer:

A fully remote environment
Competitive salary, bonus, and equity package
100% employer paid, comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision for you and your family
Unlimited PTO, with your manager’s approval
Flexible work environment where you manage your work day
14 weeks of fully-paid parental leave

Salary Range: $75,000-$110,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience, skills, and other factors.

We’re an Equal Opportunity Employer: You’ll receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

Applicant Data Disclosure

By submitting an application, you acknowledge that Defcon AI uses third-party service providers to facilitate its recruitment and hiring processes. These providers include applicant tracking systems, candidate verification platforms, and fraud detection tools (collectively, "Hiring Platforms"). Your application materials, including your résumé, cover letter, work samples, responses to application questions, and any other information you submit, may be transmitted to and processed by these Hiring Platforms for the following purposes:

Managing and administering your application throughout the hiring process;
Verifying the accuracy and authenticity of application materials, including by cross-referencing information you provide against publicly available sources and proprietary databases;
Identifying indicators of potentially fraudulent, fabricated, or materially misleading application content, including but not limited to discrepancies between submitted materials and publicly available professional profiles, geographic anomalies, and fabricated work histories.

Applications that are flagged through this process as containing indicators of fraud or material misrepresentation may be declined from further consideration. If you have questions about the status of your application or the evaluation process, please contact[email protected].

Defcon AI requires its Hiring Platform providers to process your information solely for the purposes described above and in accordance with applicable law. Your information will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill these purposes and any applicable legal obligations, after which it will be deleted in accordance with Defcon AI's data retention policies.

For more information about how your data is used, please refer to our Privacy Policy andApplicant Privacy Notice.

About the company

DEFCON AI focuses on modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) for modern logistics and mobility. It uses AI-powered software with an intelligent agent embedded in a simulation environment to help decision makers handle disruptions in transportation and supply chains. The product works by running simulations that mimic real-world logistics networks, guiding users through different disruption scenarios and showing strategic and operational options. What sets DEFCON AI apart is its combination of AI-driven agents and MS&A within a dynamic simulation platform aimed specifically at resilience planning for logistics, rather than generic analytics. The company’s goal is to improve resilience in the face of disruption by providing actionable insights and decision support for complex transport and supply chain challenges.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Seed

Total Funding

$44M

Headquarters

McLean, Virginia

Founded

2022

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Margo de Naray took over September 29, 2026, bringing scaling experience from Solestial.
CANA joined July 29, 2026, strengthening Marine Corps fleet integration and deployment support.
DEFCON AI launched its Advanced Theater Distribution Planning Tool in March 2026 and keeps shipping.

What critics are saying

Four customers supply $150 million backlog; Marine Corps execution dominates valuation.
The $115 million LogC2 OTA starts with a $20 million base year; milestone slips kill follow-on funding.
GDIT, OpenAI, and BigBear.ai are productizing defense AI faster, squeezing DEFCON AI's niche.

What makes DEFCON AI unique

DEFCON AI combines modeling, simulation, and deployable logistics software, not dashboards.
Its June 10, 2026 Marine Corps LogC2 award proves integration depth and mission credibility.
Retired generals Glavy and Bussiere give DEFCON AI rare operator access inside DoW programs.

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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Paid Vacation
Parental Leave
Professional Development Budget
401(k) Retirement Plan
Company Equity
Remote Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

-3%

1 year growth

-5%

2 year growth

Technical.ly

Oct 2nd, 2026

American University launches student startup lab for the 'napkin stage'

American University launches student startup lab for the 'napkin stage' Plus, UK quantum computing company Phasecraft establishes its North America HQ in Arlington, Defcon AI names a new CEO and more DMV power moves. Power Moves is a recurring series where we chart the comings and goings of talent across the region. Got a new hire, gig or promotion? Email us at [email protected]. A DC university is launching an innovation lab for students who don't yet have a polished pitch deck, a global quantum algorithms company picked Arlington for its North American HQ and a nat-sec simulation startup named its new CEO. Keep reading to get the details on those and more regional power moves. American University launches idea-phase startup programming. Students at American University have a new pathway to turn ideas into ventures, thanks to a partnership between the university's Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship and startup support organization Builders + Backers. The center's new Innovation Lab includes an accelerator, an AI platform and one-on-one guidance with local founders, per a press release. This builds on other entrepreneurial programming out of American University, including a student-led venture fund and an additional innovation lab program. "At American University, we believe that the best possible way to learn is by doing," said Danielle Vogel, director of the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship. "This partnership is a major force-multiplier for us in terms of the resources we're able to provide to support our students." UK quantum company lands in Arlington. Founded in Bristol, England, in 2019, Phasecraft focuses on the software side of quantum, creating algorithms that aim to improve efficiency and performance of quantum computing hardware. The company plans to spend $113,000 to build out its North American headquarters in Northern Virginia, and to hire 19 new, local workers, according to a press release. "Their investment," said Matt de Ferranti, chair of the Arlington County Board, "reflects the confidence that innovative emerging technology companies from around the world have in Arlington's talent, connectivity, and collaborative business environment." Phasecraft is participating in quantum-related research programs with DARPA and ARPA-E, which are in close proximity to the company's new offices in the Rosslyn-Ballston area. Defcon AI names new CEO. Aerospace and tech executive Margo de Naray is taking the helm as CEO at Defcon AI, inheriting the startup's contract backlog of $150 million. She replaces Yisroel Brumer, who is staying on as cofounder. The McLean, VA-based startup develops software to optimize military and commercial supply-chain and transport logistics, and to simulate issues in national security-related environments. "With a substantial backlog and pipeline, differentiated technology and an extraordinarily talented team, Defcon AI has an exceptional foundation for growth," said de Naray in a press release. "I'm excited to build on Defcon AI's success and impact for our national security and private sector customers." Prior to this role, de Naray worked as an executive for 20 years at various companies, most recently as CEO and president of the solar energy space company Solestial. Leadership appointments and acquisitions: * Statecraft, a DC federal contractor deploying AI agents for repeatable tasks across different agencies, acquired San Francisco AI and data analytics contractor Daybreak. * Restaurant management and finance platform MarginEdge hired seasoned restaurant tech leader Darien Bates as chief project officer. The Arlington startup also released its SmartPrep tool, which helps restaurants predict what ingredients and recipes will be in demand based on sales data, the day of the week and the season. MarginEdge recently raised a $80 million Series D. * AI government contractor Quantum Sky, formerly known as Tyto Athene, hired three executive vice presidents focused on customers in the Department of War, civilian agencies and space and intelligence. Samantha Moore will oversee work with the DOW, Jessica Merriam will lead in space and intelligence and Nicole Gibson will steer civilian contracts. * Global defense technology company Everfox appointed Maureen Stevens as its chief corporate affairs office. She previously led marketing for communications satellite operator SES. * George Mason University tapped Sumeet Shrivastava, CEO and president of the government contractor Unissant, to lead its Board of Visitors. The university also renamed its entrepreneurial center after Anil Sharma, local founder and CEO of 22nd Century Technologies, and his wife Anupama. Partnerships, product launches and awards: * Open source agentic AI company pgEdge released a cloud platform designed to help companies move experimental AI projects into products used regularly. * Aseel, an Arlington startup housing aid campaigns and an Etsy-like marketplace for Turkish and Afghan artists, is partnering with HesabPay to make digital payments possible using afghani currency. * This football season, the Commanders have inked several corporate partner deals with defense tech and space companies from across the country, the Washington Business Journal reported. * IT government contractor CGI federal launched a catalogue of AI agents with AWS, including curated agents for fraud detection and government benefits processing. * Legal writing tool BriefCatch launched a new app housing all of its tools, including citation verification and writing recommendations. * Hupside, a startup measuring the intersection of human creativity and AI, released a free public beta of Hupmapper. It attempts to measure how much the ideas in a piece of writing stand out from what AI might produce. * Defense contractor General Dynamics Information Technology is partnering with OpenAI to deploy AI agents within federal agencies for tasks including data analysis and IT service desk operations. * Local founder and author Adam Zuckerman launched authorchecklist.com, which compiles resources for authors, including how to enter for awards and get on bookstore shelves. * Techstars and Permanente Medicine Mid-Atlantic States unveiled their fall accelerator cohort, which brings health-focused founders from across the globe to DC for the rest of the year. * LaunchBridge, an AI platform to streamline how first-time entrepreneurs start a business in Virginia, landed in fourth place at the Moonshots pitch competition in Los Angeles.

Washington Technology

Sep 29th, 2026

Tetra Tech's new government leader and 3 CEO transitions to note.

Tetra Tech's new government leader and 3 CEO transitions to note. Stay Connected Find opportunities - and win them. September 29, 2026 01:47 PM ET Tetra Tech has integrated federal technology work into its portfolio over the past several years. Tetra Tech Lauren Springer has moved up to president of the government services group at the global technical and engineering services provider, which she first joined in 2000. With this promotion announced Tuesday, Springer now leads a business that has integrated federal technology work into its portfolio over the past several years. In January, Tetra Tech purchased Halvik Corp. to add agile delivery and digital solutions content. Springer also currently works as president of Tetra Tech's U.S infrastructure division. Tetra Tech posted $5.4 billion in revenue for its 2025 recent fiscal year ended Sept. 28 and U.S. federal work represents 31% of that, according to the company's annual report. The government services group contributed 49% of overall fiscal 2025 sales for Tetra Tech, which ranked at Position No. 64 on the 2026 Washington Technology Top 100. Dan Levenson has moved up to chief executive at the digital services provider, which he first joined in 2018 as a strategy lead. Levenson became president of Agile Six in 2020 and now oversees all aspects of the company's strategy centered around product and delivery management, the DevSecOps software practice, data and applied artificial intelligence, and user-centered design and research. Agile Six has recorded $25.1 million in unclassified prime contract revenue over the trailing 12 months with the Veterans Affairs Department representing 97% of the spend, according to USASpending.gov data. The Health and Human Services Department makes up the remaining 3%. Levenson succeeds Robert Rasmussen, who co-founded Agile Six in 2014 and led it ever since as CEO. Rasmussen is staying involved as chairman of the board of directors, Agile Six said in a LinkedIn post. Margo de Naray has joined the integrator of artificial intelligence-centric technology systems as chief executive following a one-year stint as CEO of Solestial, a space solar tech outfit. Defcon AI opened for business in 2022 and closed a $44 million seed capital raise two years later from a network of backers including Fifth Growth Fund and Red Cell Partners, the tech incubation firm. De Naray now leads a company touting a $150 million contracted revenue backlog across four large customers, Defcon AI said Tuesday. She succeeds Yisroel Brumer, who co-founded the company alongside Red Cell Partners CEO Grant Verstandig. Solestial was acquired by York Space Systems in May. De Naray's two-decade career in industry also includes senior roles at Astra and Cargill. Emagine IT Aamir Saleem, who co-founded the technology services contractor in 2002 alongside company President Song Pak, is returning to the CEO post after a one-year stint as its chief technology officer. During that period, EIT was led by CEO Cedric Sims as Saleem worked to refine the company's technical vision and strategic direction. EIT's LinkedIn announcement of Saleem's return to the CEO role noted Sims' leadership of the company during that transition. EIT has recorded $23.9 million in unclassified prime contract revenue over the trailing 12 months with HHS representing 49% of the spend, according to USASpending.gov data. Other significant prime customers include the U.S. International Development Finance Corp., plus the Interior and Defense departments.

Business Wire

Sep 29th, 2026

DEFCON AI appoints Margo de Naray CEO as backlog surpasses $150M

DEFCON AI, an AI system integrator specialising in modelling and simulation for complex operational environments, has appointed Margo de Naray as chief executive officer. De Naray, former CEO of space solar technology company Solestial, replaces co-founder Yisroel Brumer, who remains with the company. The appointment comes as DEFCON AI reports a contracted revenue backlog exceeding $150 million across four major customers. Founded in 2022, the company recently secured a five-year agreement supporting US Marine Corps Logistics Command modernisation. De Naray brings over 20 years of executive experience, including roles at Solestial, Astra, and Cargill. She holds dual master's degrees in engineering and business administration from MIT.

CANA LLC

Jul 29th, 2026

CANA LLC joins DEFCON AI as teaming partner on $115M Marine Corps Logistics modernization prototype agreement.

CANA LLC joins DEFCON AI as teaming partner on $115M Marine Corps Logistics modernization prototype agreement. A WOSB/SDVOSB Brings Foundational Visual Integrated Tactical Logistics - Battlespace Management Aid (VITL-BMA) Expertise and Marine Corps Logistics Domain Knowledge to Fleet Integration Effort Gainesville, VA - CANA LLC, a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) specializing in analytics, operations research, program management, and supply chain solutions for the Department of War, today announced its teaming partnership with DEFCON AI in support of the Marine Corps' five-year, $115M Logistics Command and Control (LogC2) modernization prototype agreement with the Marine Corps. CANA will provide foundational software expertise, logistics domain knowledge, and field integration support as DEFCON AI serves as the software integration prime for Headquarters Marine Corps Installations and Logistics (HQMC I&L). CANA's involvement in this program predates the prototype agreement. The company built the original user stories, integration logic, and mission-critical math engines underlying VITL-BMA - the Marine Corps' Visualization, Integration, and Logistics Tool for Battalion-Level and Above - including the Class I (Subsistence) and Class V(W) (Ground Ammunition) supply calculators that form the analytical core of the system. CANA also provided critical technical support in data architecture logic for disaggregating data from the Marine Corps Total Force Structure Management System (TFSMS) to support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) mission planning. With VITL-BMA now transitioning from an R&D tool to a formal Program of Record under Program Manager Marine Air Ground Task Force Command and Control (MAGTF C2), the program demands both advanced optimization technology and deep institutional knowledge of Marine Corps Logistics planning and execution. "Getting VITL-BMA deployed rapidly means we can't build software in a vacuum - evolution has to happen alongside real-world feedback from the Fleet. By pairing DEFCON AI's software design expertise - proven by the advanced optimization and planning capabilities they delivered for Air Mobility Command - with CANA's foundational knowledge of VITL-BMA and Marine Corps Logistics planning and execution, we are bridging the gap between the algorithm and the Marine directly at the tactical edge." - Jesse Kemp, Director of Logistics Programs and Capabilities, CANA LLC CANA is positioned to support Fleet Integration immediately, with personnel ready to deploy to major Fleet training events and to embed with critical stakeholders such as the Marine Corps Logistics Operations Group (MCLOG). The company will help design, implement, and execute USMC Fleet-wide training and support programs, to enable validation of VITL-BMA capabilities under real world operational conditions. CANA'S SCOPE OF SUPPORT INCLUDES: - Logistics domain expertise and USMC operational requirements - Continuity of the original codebase, integration logic, and supply calculator architecture - Fleet integration training and sustainment support - Marine Corps logistics planning and execution advisory support for operational test and integration events About CANA LLC CANA LLC is a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in the Northern Virginia (NoVA) area, providing analytics, operations research, program and project management, and supply chain solutions to the Department of Defense. With active support relationships spanning the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy, CANA combines quantitative rigor with operational credibility to help warfighting organizations make better, faster decisions at every echelon. About DEFCON AI DEFCON AI, an insights company born in defense transportation and logistics, delivers next-generation modeling, simulation, and analysis toolsets tailored for resilient optimization of complex systems. Leveraging extensive expertise in artificial intelligence, mathematical optimization, data analytics, and world-class software engineering, its technology provides insights for better decisions in a complex and dynamically changing world. Cana Llc empower clients to anticipate, assess, and mitigate the potential impacts of disrupted and non-disrupted networks, aligning outcomes with operational goals The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Government. MEDIA CONTACT Cherish Joostberns | CANA LLC

Citybiz

Jul 8th, 2026

DEFCON AI names retired Gen. Thomas Bussiere strategic advisor.

DEFCON AI names retired Gen. Thomas Bussiere strategic advisor. July 8, 2026 Gen. Thomas Bussiere DEFCON AI has appointed retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Thomas Bussiere as a strategic advisor, adding a former senior military commander to help guide the company's work on AI-enabled decision support, logistics optimization and operational planning for government customers. In the advisory role, Bussiere will work with DEFCON AI's leadership, engineering teams and customers on initiatives focused on modernization, operational optimization and decision support for defense organizations. The appointment comes as the company continues expanding its portfolio of modeling, simulation and artificial intelligence technologies designed to help military organizations improve logistics, force readiness and operational decision-making in complex environments. Bussiere retired after a 40-year Air Force career during which he led several of the military's most significant strategic organizations. Most recently, he served as commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, overseeing strategic operations, enterprise modernization, technology integration and force readiness. His career included senior assignments as deputy director for Nuclear, Homeland Defense and Current Operations on the Joint Staff, as well as leadership positions within the Advanced Programs Division at Headquarters Air Combat Command. He also commanded the Eighth Air Force, Eleventh Air Force, Alaskan Command, Joint Functional Component Command for Global Strike and Task Force 204 under U.S. Strategic Command. DEFCON AI said Bussiere's operational experience will help ensure its technologies address real-world defense requirements while supporting the development of practical applications for advanced analytics and artificial intelligence. "Decision advantage isn't a concept - it's a requirement," Bussiere said. "DEFCON AI is delivering exactly that, and I'm proud to be part of the team helping joint force commanders fight and lead." As strategic advisor, Bussiere will contribute to the company's efforts to improve military logistics, operational planning, enterprise decision-making and readiness through the use of AI, mathematical optimization and simulation technologies. "Working with General Bussiere back in our Pentagon days was a career highlight," said Yisroel Brumer, chief executive officer of DEFCON AI. "His unique mix of exceptional capability, keen insight, mission drive, and good cheer allowed us to not only accomplish great things, but to have fun while we were doing it. I am very proud that he chose to join us and look forward to working together again." DEFCON AI develops modeling, simulation and analytics software for defense transportation, logistics and other complex operational environments. The company's platform combines artificial intelligence, optimization algorithms, data analytics and software engineering to help organizations evaluate scenarios, improve operational resilience and make more informed decisions across dynamic and mission-critical networks.

DEFCON AI

Executive Administrator & Office Manager

About the job