Hackathons – Team Lead

Defense Unicorns

Technical lead designing secure architectures and integrations for Defense Unicorns’ federal hackathon program. Guiding government, defense, and industry stakeholders toward deployable software outcomes.

Posted 8/11/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $148,750 - $201,250 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in designing and building software systems within complex, multi-technology environments, while effectively translating technical concepts for diverse audiences. Proven ability to engage with government stakeholders and deliver impactful technical solutions in fast-paced, innovative settings.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Software System DesignTechnical Stakeholder EngagementPlatform Engineering PracticesHackathon LeadershipTechnical Risk Mitigation

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Software DevelopmentPlatform AbstractionDeployment FrameworksArtifact DistributionSecure Update MechanismsTechnical DocumentationTechnical ProgrammingIntegration PatternsTechnical GuardrailsRisk Assessment

Soft Skills

CommunicationRelationship BuildingEnthusiasm GenerationAdaptabilityValue Communication

Tools & Technologies

UDSDoW Innovation EcosystemEvent Management ToolsWorkshop Delivery ToolsPost-Event Documentation Tools

Industry Keywords

Government StakeholdersDefense SectorInnovation SprintsTechnical LeadershipMulti-Technology Environments

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set and own the overall technical direction for each hackathon
Evaluate and integrate partner technologies and third-party tools across diverse technology stacks
Define technical guardrails, reference architectures, and integration patterns
Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies with the Mission Manager
Serve as a technical voice for government stakeholders, industry partners, and hackathon participants
Translate complex technical capabilities into compelling mission-impact narratives
Build enthusiasm and credibility with senior decision-makers and participant teams
Support relationships across the DoW innovation ecosystem
Partner with the team, partners, and Mission Heroes throughout planning, execution, and post-event follow-up
Design and deliver technical programming, workshops, and participant enablement content
Capture technical outcomes and produce reusable post-event documentation
Travel multiple times per year for event execution and stakeholder engagement, primarily within the continental United States and occasionally OCONUS

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong hands-on technical background designing and building software systems in complex, multi-technology environments
Hands-on experience with UDS or similar platform abstraction and deployment frameworks
Experience engaging directly with government or defense stakeholders in a technical capacity
Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences
Comfort with presales or customer-facing roles combining technical credibility and value communication
Understanding of software delivery and platform engineering practices for air-gapped environments
Knowledge of offline package management, artifact distribution, and secure update mechanisms
Preferred: Familiarity with the DoW innovation ecosystem, including programs, procurement, and mission priorities
Preferred: Experience supporting or participating in hackathons, integration events, or innovation sprints in a technical leadership capacity
Preferred: Ability to operate in ambiguous, fast-moving environments and build structure
Preferred: Track record of delivering technical solutions that outlast an event or sprint

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical/Dental/Vision
Premiums are 100% Company Paid
Health Savings Account
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
401k Retirement Plan
Company Stock Options
Home Office Budget
Flexible Time Off (FTO)
Federal Holidays
One week for Thanksgiving
Two weeks for Christmas and New Year’s
Paid Parental Leave
Reimbursement for approved trainings/subscriptions
Conferences (travel, lodging, and fees)