Location: Full time on-site / Hybrid: Canberra

Clearance: NV1 (minimum)

Citizenship: Australian citizenship and right to work

Company Overview:
Atreides helps organizations transform large and complex multi-modal datasets into information-rich geo-spatial data subscriptions that can be used across a wide spectrum of use cases. Currently, Atreides focuses on providing high-fidelity data solutions to enable customers to derive insights quickly.

We are a fast-moving, high-performance startup. We value a diverse team and believe inclusion drives better performance. We trust our team with autonomy, believing it leads to better results and job satisfaction. With a mission-driven mindset and entrepreneurial spirit, we are building something new and helping unlock the power of massive-scale data to make the world safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

Team Overview:
We are a passionate team of technologists, data scientists, and analysts with backgrounds in operational intelligence, law enforcement, large multinationals, and cybersecurity operations. We obsess about designing products that will change the way global companies, governments and nonprofits protect themselves from external threats and global adversaries.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a mission-proven Strategic Defence Liaison with a background in Australian Special Operations or strategic-level Defence technology environments. This role is designed for a former communicator or technologist with operational experience in Special Operations Command (SOCOMD), DSTG, or other high-tempo Defence entities.

The successful candidate will act as a strategic interface between Defence end-users, Commonwealth stakeholders, and technical teams, translating operational requirements into scalable capability outcomes. You will be instrumental in shaping technology pathways, influencing acquisition strategies, and ensuring alignment with Defence governance and procurement processes under the Commonwealth framework.

Team Principles:
At Atreides, we believe that teams work best when they:

• Remain curious and passionate in all aspects of our work
• Promote clear, direct, and transparent communication
• Embrace the 'measure twice, cut once' philosophy
• Value and encourage diverse ideas and technologies
• Lead with empathy in all interactions

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a critical conduit between Australian Defence Force (ADF) stakeholders (e.g. Capability Managers, CASG, VCDF Group) and internal product or engineering teams.
• Shape and influence capability development efforts, leveraging operational expertise and an understanding of Defence strategic drivers (e.g. IIP, Defence Strategic Review, FIC integration).
• Support capture and execution of Defence tenders, including AusTender submissions, Defence Innovation Hub proposals, and Standing Offer panels.
• Provide trusted advice on acquisition and governance pathways under CASG, CDG, and other Defence groups.
• Assist with stakeholder engagement strategies, including interaction with Ministers’ offices, Defence Primes, and National Intelligence Community organisations.
• Represent the company at classified briefings, industry engagement days, and Defence trials or exercises.
• Contribute to the preparation of business cases, capability documents, CONOPS, and other artefacts aligned to Defence Capability Lifecycle processes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Former ADF experience in a Special Operations, communications, intelligence, or advanced technical role; preferably SOCOMD, ISREW, or related capability area.
• Demonstrated experience engaging Defence stakeholders at the strategic and tactical levels, including VCDF Group, CASG, or Defence CIOG.
• Strong understanding of Defence procurement frameworks (e.g. CPRs, Defence Procurement Policy Manual, IIP).
• Familiarity with Australian Government contracting mechanisms including Standing Offers, Deeds of Standing Offer, and Strategic Partnering Agreements.
• Proven ability to manage projects or contribute to delivery within Defence contracting or acquisition environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft ministerial-level briefs or technical documents.
• NV1 security clearance or above (essential); NV2 or TSPV highly regarded.

Desirable Skills

• Experience working with Australian defence industry SMEs or Primes on advanced technology programs (e.g., C4ISR, cyber, electronic warfare).
• Exposure to sovereign capability initiatives, Defence Innovation Hub, or Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA).
• Background in technical integration, interoperability testing, or capability field trials.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Flexible hybrid work environment
• Additional benefits like flexible hours, work travel opportunities, competitive vacation time and parental leave

While meeting all of these criteria would be ideal, we understand that some candidates may meet most, but not all. If you're passionate, curious and ready to "work smart and get things done," we'd love to hear from you.