People Lead

Vannevar is a defense technology company building AI to deter our adversaries. In the 21st century, conflict moves at algorithmic speed and foresight equals firepower.

Our agentic AI is purpose-built to compete with China — from cross-Strait conflict to gray zone coercion.

Trained on the most mission-relevant datasets in defense, our technology models adversary behavior, simulates campaigns, and recommends the best course of action to decision makers.

Our AI systems are some of the most trusted in the industry and are actively used on the front lines of the Indo-Pacific to keep the peace and save lives.

Exceptional technology starts with exceptional people.

Vannevar is a small, agile team combining world-class engineers with veteran strategists who bring deep expertise in defense and tradecraft.

We’re building a company defined by mission impact, user empathy, and disciplined growth.

In just three years, we grew from $3M to $80M in ARR, achieved early profitability, and reached unicorn status—proving that disruption doesn’t require an ego and staying power doesn’t mean standing still.

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About the Role

We’re looking for our first senior People leader to build the people systems and operating cadence that help Vannevar scale with speed, clarity, and high standards.

This is not a traditional People role.

You will be a business operator responsible for ensuring our talent management practices and people infrastructure directly support company execution.

You’ll partner closely with the executive team and managers on the organizational decisions that matter most: hiring and retaining exceptional talent, improving manager effectiveness, strengthening performance management, planning for growth, and ensuring we have the right people in the right roles as the business scales.

You’ll help leaders make clear, timely decisions on performance, compensation, promotions, retention, and exits.

At the same time, you’ll own the operational foundation that allows the company to grow confidently: benefits, compliance, investigations, employee relations, policies, and core people processes.

Your job is to build lightweight, durable systems that improve business performance without slowing the company down.

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What You’ll Do

Build a High-Performance Organization

• Partner with the executive team and functional leaders on org design, workforce planning, and leadership needs as the company scales.
• Clarify hiring standards, promotion expectations, and talent bar across teams.
• Design and evolve our performance management philosophy.
• Coach managers to set clear expectations, give direct feedback, and have hard conversations with confidence, addressing issues early.
• Build manager habits and operating cadences that reinforce high standards without adding unnecessary process.