Mission Lead - CENTCOM AOR

About the role

You are the in-theater owner of program delivery, customer success, and operational outcomes across the CENTCOM AOR. You will lead deployments, coordinate stakeholders, and ensure mission execution across Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE while operating with limited reach-back across an 8-10 hour time difference from headquarters. You own program delivery from mobilization through operational handover, working alongside component commands and forward-deployed units to put autonomous orchestration capability in the hands of the warfighter under real-world conditions. You serve as NODA's face in theater - the single point of accountability for U.S. Military customers operating across a demanding and sensitive area of responsibility. You scope new engagements and translate AOR-specific constraints into realistic technical and schedule commitments while capturing operational feedback and driving product improvements. You bridge field operations with U.S.-based engineering and product teams to ensure solutions remain practical and effective in contested environments.

Key facts

What you'll do

Lead deployments across NAVCENT, AFCENT, ARCENT, MARCENT, and SOCCENT environments.

Coordinate execution across GCC installations and forward locations, including NSA Bahrain, Camp Arifjan, Al Udeid AB, Al Dhafra AB, and Jebel Ali Port.

Interface with Security Cooperation Offices (SCOs), U.S. Embassies, and host-nation stakeholders.

Manage logistics: visas, customs, export controls, and installation access.

Own delivery timelines, customer success, and operational outcomes.

Bridge field operations with U.S.-based engineering and product teams.

Scope new engagements and translate AOR-specific constraints into realistic technical and schedule commitments.

Capture operational feedback and drive product improvements.

Operate effectively in austere environments with limited connectivity and minimal supervision.

Support rapid response and contingency operations as directed by component commands.

Ensure compliance with ITAR/EAR, Foreign Disclosure, and export control practices.

Adapt communication styles for flag- and field-grade military officers, U.S. Embassy personnel, and host-nation partners.

Maintain program discipline across concurrent engagements and shifting priorities.

Represent NODA with professionalism under demanding conditions in the Gulf region.

Drive continuous improvement by translating operator feedback into actionable product and process changes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or related field.

5+ years of program or technical delivery leadership in defense or mission-critical environments.

Direct OCONUS deployment or in-theater leadership experience.

Experience working with U.S. Military or government stakeholders.

Technical fluency in complex systems (autonomy, robotics, or distributed systems).

Active Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship.

Valid U.S. passport (12+ months validity, multiple blank pages).

Willingness to deploy OCONUS for extended rotations (30-90 days).

Ability to operate independently in austere environments with limited supervision and connectivity.

Strong written and verbal communication skills for coordination across military, diplomatic, and commercial stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to manage logistics, including customs, visas, and export controls.

Proven judgment and decision-making under pressure in time-sensitive and high-stakes situations.

Commitment to maintaining security protocols and compliance with U.S. regulations and directives.

Capacity to work effectively within coalition and allied force frameworks.

Understanding of regional dynamics and cultural nuances in the CENTCOM AOR.

Nice to have

Prior military service or defense industry experience working with forward-deployed U.S. forces.

Direct experience in the CENTCOM AOR (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE) or adjacent theaters.

Familiarity with CENTCOM component commands (NAVCENT/5th Fleet, AFCENT/9th AF, ARCENT, MARCENT, SOCCENT) and their operating rhythms.

Familiarity with SOFAs, the U.S.-UAE DCA, and installation-specific access requirements.

Experience navigating ITAR/EAR, Foreign Disclosure, and export control practices.

Familiarity with DoD installation access procedures, CAC sponsorship, LOAs, and country clearance (APACS).

Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent).

Existing TS/SCI clearance.

Regional language exposure (Arabic) a plus.

Practical notes

Travel is mission-dependent, with an expected 60-75% OCONUS tempo.

The role requires a current Active Secret clearance.

U.S. citizenship is mandatory.

A valid U.S. passport with at least 12 months validity and multiple blank pages is required.

Extended OCONUS rotations of 30-90 days are required.

Candidates must be able to operate independently in austere environments with limited reach-back.

Effective communication across time zones (8-10 hours behind headquarters) is essential.

Proficiency in navigating complex installation access, customs, and export control procedures is necessary.

Cultural sensitivity and professionalism are critical when representing NODA in host nations and diplomatic settings.