Team Lead supporting the War Prototyping & Experimentation Office

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Team Lead supporting the War Prototyping & Experimentation Office

Company: IronMountain Solutions

Location: Huntsville, AL

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Government Contracting / Defense Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-29T19:53:03

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a team focused on establishing and transitioning experimental capabilities into an Army Program of Record, requiring robust program management and strategic oversight.

• Serve as the primary point of contact (POC) for the Office of the Secretary of War (OSW) Prototyping & Experimentation (P&E) office, coordinating critical P&E capabilities for Army Experimentation exercises.

• Engage directly with Senior Military Officers (3-Star and above) and senior military officials, necessitating exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Drive the refinement and alignment of formal Army requirements documents, including Capability Development Documents (CDDs) and Initial Capability Documents (ICDs), ensuring alignment with operational needs.

• Manage the coordination of transition documentation and technology demonstrations to ensure clear and executable handoffs of capabilities to Army Program of Record sponsors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior leadership position within a defense contracting environment, specifically supporting a government office focused on rapid prototyping and experimentation. The emphasis on engaging with high-level military officials and managing complex transition processes indicates a need for strong strategic thinking, operational execution, and a deep understanding of defense acquisition lifecycles. The title "Team Lead" suggests responsibility for team direction, resource management, and personnel oversight, aligning with typical operations management functions in this sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide overall team direction and guidance, managing resources effectively to meet or exceed customer expectations and program milestones.

• Coordinate the transition of OSW P&E programs and capabilities into Army programs of record by actively engaging key stakeholders within the Army acquisition and user communities.

• Refine and align formal Army requirements documents (e.g., CDDs, Directed Requirements, ICDs) in collaboration with Program Executive Offices (PEOs), user representatives, and technical teams to accurately reflect operational needs.

• Assist in the development and coordination of comprehensive transition documentation required for the formal handover of capabilities to an Army Program of Record or equivalent acquisition sponsor.

• Coordinate the participation of P&E capabilities in technology demonstrations and Army experimentation exercises to support transition operations and validate operational effectiveness.

• Participate in the hiring process, in conjunction with ESD leadership, to establish and build a high-performing team capable of meeting program objectives.

• Interface directly with the Program Manager (PM), technical customers, and Government Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to address and resolve all issues that may arise during project execution.

• Ensure seamless coordination and refinement of requirements documents, working closely with entities such as PAE AVN, CPE UAS, and FCC HQs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic program management, technical coordination, and direct stakeholder engagement. The emphasis on "transition coordination," "requirements alignment," and "technology demonstration/exercise coordination" points to a critical role in bridging the gap between experimental capabilities and established military programs. The need to work with specific Army entities like PAE AVN and CPE UAS suggests a need for familiarity with Army aviation and unmanned systems programs, or at least the ability to quickly understand and integrate into such environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or equivalent experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in relevant defense or government contracting environments.

• Experience working with Senior Military Officers and engaging with Senior Military Officials at the 3-Star and Above Level.

• Experience establishing coordination across multiple Senior Staffs and Services.

• Experience/knowledge of OSW or Joint Staff, and Program Executive Offices (PEOs).

Required Skills:

• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, direct, and motivate a team to achieve complex objectives in a demanding environment.

• Program Management: Expertise in managing defense programs, including resource allocation, schedule adherence, and risk mitigation.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Exceptional ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with senior military and government officials.

• Requirements Analysis & Documentation: Proficiency in understanding, refining, and documenting formal Army requirements (CDDs, ICDs).

• Defense Acquisition Lifecycle: Solid understanding of the defense acquisition process, including transition planning and program-of-record integration.

• Conflict Resolution: Ability to interface with various stakeholders to address and resolve issues promptly and effectively.

• Secret Security Clearance: Must maintain a current Secret security clearance.

Preferred Skills:

• Successful completion of Army O6 Level command is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with Army P&E initiatives and experimentation frameworks.

• Experience with specific Army PEOs or program offices relevant to prototyping and experimentation (e.g., aviation, unmanned systems).

• Advanced degrees or certifications in project management, defense acquisition, or related fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong leadership profile with significant experience in the defense sector, particularly in navigating complex organizational structures and engaging with high-level military leadership. The mandatory Senior Service College completion and preferred O6 command experience signal a need for individuals with a deep understanding of military operations, strategy, and the defense acquisition ecosystem. The "10+ years" experience level, coupled with the specific educational and command requirements, positions this as a senior-level operational leadership role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Program Transition: Examples demonstrating successful coordination and execution of transitioning capabilities from experimental phases into formal Army Programs of Record. This should include outlining challenges, strategies employed, and tangible outcomes.

• Requirements Documentation Examples: Showcase instances where you were instrumental in refining or aligning formal Army requirements documents (CDDs, ICDs), highlighting your contribution to ensuring operational needs were met.

• Stakeholder Management & Coordination: Present evidence of managing complex stakeholder environments, particularly involving senior military leadership across different branches or staff offices, detailing communication strategies and achieved consensus.

• Technology Demonstration & Exercise Participation: Document your involvement in coordinating or leading participation in technology demonstrations or military experimentation exercises, focusing on the planning, execution, and lessons learned.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing or optimizing workflows for program transition, requirements alignment, or cross-functional coordination within a defense context.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of how you've implemented processes or leveraged technology (where applicable) to improve efficiency in program management, coordination, or documentation.

• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Illustrate how you track and measure the success of transition efforts, requirement alignment, or team performance, using metrics relevant to defense program execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this senior operational leadership role, a portfolio is crucial. Candidates should focus on demonstrating tangible results and strategic impact. The emphasis should be on quantifiable achievements in program transition, requirements alignment, and stakeholder management within the defense acquisition framework. Portfolio items should clearly articulate the candidate's role, the processes used, and the positive outcomes achieved for the government client.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education, certifications, and training aligned with defense and acquisition fields.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Standard employer-provided coverage.

• Potential for Performance Bonuses: Based on individual and team performance against program objectives.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required to meet program demands, including occasional extended hours or travel for critical events, demonstrations, or meetings with senior officials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on industry benchmarks for senior-level roles in defense contracting in the Huntsville, AL area, considering the specific requirements for leadership, security clearance, and advanced military education. Benefits are typical for established government contractors and are designed to attract and retain experienced professionals in this specialized field.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Defense Technology Solutions

Company Size: IronMountain Solutions is a growing company, likely fitting within the small to medium-sized business (SMB) category in the defense sector, though specific employee count isn't provided. This suggests a potentially more agile and less bureaucratic environment than very large corporations, allowing for direct impact.

Founded: Information not directly provided, but assumed to be an established entity in the defense contracting space.

Team Structure:

• The team will be led by the selected candidate and will consist of personnel supporting the OSW P&E Program Manager.

• Reporting structure will likely involve direct reporting to a Program Manager or senior leadership within IronMountain Solutions, with functional oversight from Government CORs.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data from experiments, user feedback, and requirements analysis to inform program decisions and transitions.

• Agile Program Management: Likely adoption of agile principles for managing prototyping and experimentation cycles, allowing for rapid iteration and adaptation.

• Collaborative Process Improvement: A culture that encourages proactive engagement with stakeholders to refine processes, align requirements, and ensure successful capability integration.

Company Website: https://www.ironmountainsolutions.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the industry and client (OSW P&E), the company culture is expected to be professional, mission-focused, and highly attuned to government client needs and security protocols. As a defense contractor, IronMountain Solutions likely values integrity, technical excellence, and a commitment to supporting national security objectives. The team structure will be client-centric, with the Team Lead acting as a key liaison between the company and the government office.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level operations and program leadership position. It is a critical interface role, requiring a blend of strategic thinking, operational execution, and direct interaction with high-level government officials. It's a leadership position that requires autonomy and the ability to drive outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Team Lead will report to a Program Manager or senior leadership within IronMountain Solutions. They will also have significant direct interaction and accountability to the OSW P&E Program Manager and Government COR, who will provide technical and programmatic oversight.

Operations Impact: The operations impact is significant, directly contributing to the advancement of critical warfighting capabilities and the modernization of the U.S. Army. By successfully transitioning prototypes and experimental capabilities into Programs of Record, the Team Lead plays a vital role in enhancing national defense readiness and technological superiority. This role is central to ensuring that innovative concepts are effectively integrated into operational military systems.

Growth Opportunities:

• Program Leadership Expansion: Potential to lead larger programs or manage multiple projects within IronMountain Solutions' defense portfolio.

• Strategic Business Development: Opportunities to contribute to business development efforts, leveraging expertise and relationships to secure new contracts.

• Specialized Technical/Acquisition Roles: Advancement into more specialized roles focusing on specific acquisition pathways, advanced prototyping, or strategic planning within defense organizations.

• Client-Side Transition: Potential for roles within government organizations (e.g., PEOs, Army Staff) that manage or oversee defense programs, leveraging industry experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for experienced defense professionals to transition into leadership positions within a contracting firm. The growth opportunities are tied to successful program delivery, client satisfaction, and the expansion of the company's capabilities and contract base. The unique client engagement at the senior military level provides a strong foundation for future strategic roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Huntsville, AL, a major hub for defense contractors and government agencies. The work environment is likely within a professional office setting, potentially co-located with government personnel or at a dedicated contractor facility.

Office Location(s): Primarily located in Huntsville, Alabama. Travel in support of OSW P&E Projects will be required, indicating potential for domestic travel to military installations, testing ranges, or other relevant operational sites.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will foster collaboration with a dedicated team and require continuous interaction with government clients and stakeholders.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, secure communication channels, and potentially specialized defense program management tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct engagement with team members, government representatives, and subject matter experts to drive program objectives.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the nature of defense contracting and supporting experimentation often necessitates flexibility. Candidates must be willing to adapt to project timelines, which may include extended hours or travel for critical demonstrations, exercises, or high-level meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment in Huntsville, AL, is heavily influenced by the presence of the U.S. Army, NASA, and numerous defense contractors. Professionals in this field are accustomed to rigorous security protocols, clear lines of authority, and mission-oriented work. The emphasis on "without daily guidance and supervision" suggests an environment that values autonomy and proactive problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications by IronMountain Solutions' HR and hiring managers to assess basic fit, experience, and clearance status.

• Technical/Leadership Interview: An in-depth discussion with hiring managers and potentially senior technical leads or program managers to evaluate your leadership capabilities, program management experience, understanding of defense acquisition, and ability to engage with senior military leaders. This may include scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Presentation: A structured presentation of your portfolio, focusing on key case studies related to program transition, requirements alignment, and stakeholder management. Be prepared to discuss your specific contributions, methodologies, and outcomes.

• Client/Government Interview (Potential): Depending on the contract, there might be an interview with the government client (OSW P&E Program Manager/COR) to assess your fit and ability to integrate with their team.

• Final Offer: Extension of an offer contingent upon successful background checks and final security clearance verification.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each case study, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate impact (e.g., "Successfully transitioned X capabilities," "Reduced coordination time by Y%," "Managed a team of Z personnel").

• Focus on Process & Strategy: Clearly articulate the processes you followed, the strategic decisions you made, and how you adapted to challenges.

• Highlight Senior Engagement: Specifically showcase instances where you successfully engaged with 3-Star and above military officials, detailing the context and outcome of those interactions.

• Tailor to Requirements: Ensure your portfolio directly addresses the core responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description, particularly regarding OSW P&E objectives.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your portfolio in a clear, concise, and organized manner. Aim for a presentation that can be delivered effectively within a set timeframe.

Challenge Preparation:

• Situational Judgment: Prepare for questions that assess your judgment in complex situations, such as resolving conflicts between stakeholders, managing resource constraints, or adapting to changing requirements.

• Leadership Scenarios: Be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy, how you motivate teams, and how you handle underperformance or team challenges.

• Defense Acquisition Knowledge: Brush up on current Army acquisition processes, prototyping initiatives, and the role of P&Es within the broader defense strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for defense contracting roles, especially those involving high-level government interaction, is typically thorough. A strong portfolio demonstrating tangible results and a clear understanding of the defense acquisition lifecycle is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their strategic approach to leadership and problem-solving.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana, or similar platforms for planning, tracking, and managing project timelines and resources.

• Collaboration Suites: Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Workspace, or similar for documentation, analysis, and communication.

• Secure Communication Platforms: Familiarity with government-approved secure communication tools and protocols for handling sensitive information.

• CRM (Client Relationship Management): While not a traditional sales CRM, understanding how to manage relationships and communication with government clients is crucial, often through dedicated client management systems or structured communication logs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced skills for data analysis, reporting, and creating visualizations related to program performance, requirements tracking, and budget management.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau or Power BI can be advantageous for creating dashboards and visual reports for stakeholders, though not explicitly required.

• Data Analysis Techniques: Ability to analyze data from experiments, user feedback, and program metrics to inform decision-making and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving critical program documentation (e.g., SharePoint, government-specific repositories).

• Workflow Automation (Basic): While advanced automation might not be core, understanding how to streamline communication and documentation processes using available tools is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role leans towards standard professional productivity and project management tools, with a strong emphasis on secure government communication and data handling. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint for reporting and presentations, is essential. Familiarity with government-specific systems and secure collaboration platforms is also a key consideration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all interactions with clients and team members, given the sensitive nature of defense work.

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to the success of the OSW P&E mission and the broader objectives of national security.

• Excellence & Precision: Striving for accuracy and high quality in all deliverables, from requirements documentation to transition planning.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive team environment where collective effort is valued and cross-functional cooperation is encouraged.

• Adaptability & Resilience: Embracing change and demonstrating the ability to navigate the dynamic requirements and challenges inherent in prototyping and experimentation.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Consultative: Engaging early and often with stakeholders to anticipate needs, resolve issues, and ensure alignment.

• Data-Informed: Basing recommendations and decisions on objective analysis and evidence from experiments and program performance.

• Respectful & Professional: Maintaining a professional demeanor when interacting with military officers, government officials, and team members, regardless of rank or position.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on identifying and implementing practical solutions to complex challenges within the defense acquisition framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values will be heavily influenced by the defense contracting environment and the specific client (OSW P&E). Expect a professional, results-driven atmosphere where adherence to protocol, mission success, and strong ethical conduct are paramount. Collaboration will be key, but it will be structured and purposeful, often involving formal processes and clear reporting lines.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Bureaucracy: Successfully managing the complex organizational structures and processes within the Department of Defense and Army acquisition.

• Balancing Innovation and Structure: Bridging the gap between rapid, experimental prototyping and the formal, structured requirements of an Army Program of Record.

• Managing Senior Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively communicating progress, risks, and requirements to high-level military officials who may have diverse perspectives and priorities.

• Cross-Service/Staff Coordination: Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and coordination across multiple senior staffs and potentially different military services.

• Team Leadership and Resource Management: Leading a team to deliver complex outcomes under potentially tight deadlines and evolving requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Defense Acquisition Training: Access to specialized training in defense acquisition, program management, and contracting.

• Networking with Senior Leadership: Opportunities to build valuable professional relationships with key figures in the defense and military community.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technologies: Working with novel prototypes and experimental capabilities that are shaping future military operations.

• Mentorship from Experienced Professionals: Learning from seasoned defense contracting leaders and military veterans within IronMountain Solutions and the client organization.

• Potential for Further Certifications: Encouragement to pursue relevant certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or defense acquisition.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to navigating complex government structures and managing high-stakes projects. However, these challenges are also opportunities for substantial professional growth, particularly in leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder management within the defense sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Program Transition: "Describe a complex program transition you've managed from an experimental or developmental phase into a formal program of record. What were the key challenges, your specific role, and the outcome?" (Focus on your process, stakeholder engagement, and quantifiable results).

• Requirements Alignment: "How do you ensure that formal requirements documents (like CDDs or ICDs) accurately reflect evolving operational needs, especially when coordinating across multiple user groups or technical teams?" (Highlight your methods for validation, feedback loops, and conflict resolution).

• Senior Leadership Engagement: "Walk me through an experience where you had to brief or gain buy-in from senior military officials (3-Star or above) on a critical project. What was your strategy, and how did you tailor your communication?" (Emphasize clarity, conciseness, and understanding of their priorities).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of IronMountain Solutions and the OSW P&E office, what do you see as the biggest operational challenges this team faces, and how would you address them?" (Demonstrate research and strategic thinking).

• "How do you foster collaboration and leadership within a team supporting a government client, especially when dealing with diverse technical backgrounds and military ranks?" (Focus on your leadership philosophy and team-building approach).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary First: Begin your portfolio presentation with a high-level overview of your most impactful accomplishments, tailored to the role's key responsibilities.

• Structure by Responsibility: Organize your case studies around the primary responsibilities listed in the job description (e.g., Transition Coordination, Requirements Alignment, Technology Demonstration).

• STAR Method: For each case study, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide clear, concise, and impactful examples.

• Visual Aids: Utilize simple, professional slides or documents to highlight key data, timelines, and outcomes. Avoid overly complex technical diagrams unless directly relevant and easily explained.

• Focus on "Why" and "How": Explain not just what you did, but why you did it that way and how it led to the successful outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership acumen, deep understanding of defense acquisition, and exceptional stakeholder management skills. Candidates must be ready to articulate their strategic approach to complex problems and provide concrete examples from their experience, ideally using their portfolio to support their narrative.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the IronMountain Solutions careers portal via the provided Greenhouse link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate and prepare your portfolio, emphasizing case studies that directly align with program transition, requirements alignment, and senior stakeholder engagement in a defense context. Ensure you can clearly articulate your role, process, and quantifiable results for each example.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of experience, leadership roles, experience with senior military officials, defense acquisition knowledge, and possession of a Secret security clearance. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, focusing on strategy, process, and outcomes. Prepare specific examples for potential interview questions related to leadership, program management, and defense operations.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research IronMountain Solutions, their work in government contracting, and the OSW P&E office's mission. Understand their strategic objectives and how your role contributes to their success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.