Deployment Strategist, Space Systems Command
Scale AI · Los Angeles, United States · 2mo ago
Scale is building AI for the world's most important decisions. From the front lines of national defense to the core of global enterprise, we provide the data engine and agentic infrastructure that powers the next generation of American and allied interests.
As a Deployment Strategist supporting Space Systems Command (SSC), you will bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI research and mission-critical production in the space domain. You will lead the charge in deploying Agentic AI — autonomous, reasoning systems — into space operations workflows, from space domain awareness to ground segment modernization to tasking and targeting.
The Role
We are looking for an executive account leader who understands that winning at SSC isn't about a successful 6-month OTA prototype; it's about Program of Record integration. You will focus on landing and transitioning high-stakes prototypes into full-scale deployments across SSC's Program Executive Offices, navigating the Valley of Death by securing executive sponsorship and programmed funding.
This is an expansion role in a high-opportunity segment. Scale has significant USAF work and space-adjacent programs; your mandate is to convert that into core Space Force business.
Responsibilities
This is an individual contributor role with heavy leadership expectations. You are the "CEO of the Account," responsible for the following:
- Full-Spectrum Capture & Quota Ownership: Carry and exceed a multi-million dollar annual revenue quota. You own the entire lifecycle: identifying top-of-funnel opportunity, shaping requirements, and driving to contract award and revenue recognition.
- Tactical Execution: You don't just delegate; you execute. You will personally draft white papers and SBIR/OTA responses, lead complex proposal development, architect deal structures, and navigate the nuances of space acquisition.
- Operational Transition: Once the deal is signed, your job isn't over. You will continue to lead the account, ensuring the delivery team (Engagement Managers, Technical PMs, Engineers, and Product) enables mission success. You are the primary point of contact, ensuring the pilot doesn't just work, but scales.
- Renewal, Expansion & Growth: Own the long-term account strategy across SSC's PEOs. Identify the next use case, secure follow-on funding, and drive the growth that turns a single deployment into an enterprise standard.
- Direct Agentic Solutioning: Work in the weeds with technical teams and operators to co-design Agentic AI workflows. You must be able to translate a Guardian's mission problem into a specific technical requirement our engineers can build against.
- SI & Prime Orchestration: In partnership with Scale's Partner Managers, actively manage and negotiate with Tier 1 Systems Integrators and space primes to ensure Scale is the agentic AI engine inside their larger programs. You will be the lead negotiator on subcontracting and teaming agreements.
Requirements
- Experience: 7+ years across space operations, government acquisitions, complex enterprise IT sales, or defense business development. Time in uniform in the Space Force, or in Air Force space, counts heavily here.
- Proven Track Record: You have closed and implemented multi-year deals and know how to get a line item into the budget.
- Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of Space Force modernization priorities — space domain awareness, ground and command-and-control modernization, resilient architectures — and where AI/ML, computer vision, and autonomy apply.
- The Valley of Death Navigator: Demonstrated ability to move technology from "cool demo" to "deployed capability" inside a major PEO or program office.
- Strategic Network: Existing relationships across SSC and the broader Space Force enterprise, plus a Rolodex at the major space primes and integrators.
- Clearance: Active Secret clearance required; TS/SCI strongly preferred.
- Education: BS/BA required; technical degree or MBA preferred.
- Geography: Based in the Los Angeles area, with the ability to work on-site or with the customer 3 days a week. Proximity to SSC at Los Angeles AFB is essential to this role.
- Travel: Ability to travel 20-30% of the time.
Who You Are
- Mission-Driven: You believe whoever wins in AI wins the next century, and you want that to be the United States and its allies.
- Relentless: You thrive in the long game of defense procurement. Bureaucracy doesn't discourage you; you see it as a puzzle to be solved.
- Adaptive: You can operate in the high-velocity environment of a Series E startup while maintaining the polish required in front of a general officer.
- The Closer-Operator: You have the executive presence to brief a PEO and the tactical stamina to spend 10 hours in a SCIF on a proposal response.
- Radically Accountable: You don't wait for a marketing lead or a BD specialist to hand you a deal. You build your own funnel, navigate the "no's," and find the creative path to "yes."
- Technically Credible: You aren't a software engineer, but you can explain the difference between RAG and agentic reasoning to a skeptical technical evaluator.
Compensation packages at Scale for eligible roles include base salary, equity, and benefits. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position and may be inclusive of several career levels at Scale; it will be determined during the interview process based on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, interview performance, and relevant education or training. Scale employees in eligible roles are also granted equity based compensation, subject to Board of Director approval. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process, and confirm whether the hired role will be eligible for equity grant. You'll also receive benefits including, but not limited to: comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, a learning and development stipend, and generous PTO. Additionally, this role may be eligible for additional benefits such as a commuter stipend.
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About Us:
At Scale, our mission is to develop reliable AI systems for the world's most important decisions. Our products provide the high-quality data and full-stack technologies that power the world's leading models, and help enterprises and governments build, deploy, and oversee AI applications that deliver real impact. We work closely with industry leaders like Meta, Ernst & Young, Mayo Clinic, Time Inc., the Government of Qatar, and U.S. government agencies including the Army and Air Force. We are expanding our team to accelerate the development of AI applications.
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