Chief Innovation Officer

MRI Global Search; Virginia; On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

MRIGlobalSearch is partnering with a federal contractor in Northern Virginia to identify a Chief Innovation Officer to join the executive team. The role focuses on directing IRAD investments, shaping technology differentiators for capture and proposals, and ensuring delivery teams have a clear path from pilot to program of record.

The position requires 15+ years of technology/innovation experience with executive-level responsibility in FedCiv or Health sectors, and a strong background in AI/ML,

Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of relevant technology/innovation experience, including 5+ years in an executive role supporting FedCiv OR Health customers.
• Track record building or scaling an IRAD, R&D, or innovation program with measurable business impact.
• Technical background: AI/ML, cloud and DevSecOps, cybersecurity or citizen-facing digital services.
• Experience partnering with Business Development/Capture/Proposal teams to shape win strategies.
• Executive presence & communication skills.

Responsibilities

• CIO will build & direct IRAD investments, shape technology differentiators used in capture and proposals, and ensure delivery teams have a clear path from pilot to program of record.
• Showcase the company at industry days, conferences, technology forums.
• Leverage best-in-class contract vehicles and multiple joint ventures to expand capabilities.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic communication

AI/ML & Cloud

DevSecOps & Cybersecurity

BD/Capture collaboration

Education

Advanced degree (preferred)

Job description

Northern Virginia

We are partnering with a $200M federal contractor serving the DoW, National Security, FedCiv & Health markets to identify a Chief Innovation Officer to join their executive team in Northern Virginia.

What's in it for you...

• Growing & winning company - has grown from $35M in 2017 to ~$200M in 2026
• ELT is evaluating potential acquisitions to help expand the business with the goal of being a $500M++ company
• Strategic hire - CIO will build & direct our IRAD investments, shape technology differentiators used in capture and proposals & ensure delivery teams have a clear path from pilot to program of record
• Showcase the company at industry days, conferences, technology forums
• Best-in-Class contract vehicles to leverage & multiple JV's in place

To be considered for an interview, the following experience/skills are desired:

• Advanced degree preferred
• 15+ years of relevant technology/innovation experience, including 5+ years in an executive role supporting FedCiv OR Health customers
• Track record building or scaling an IRAD, R&D, or innovation program with measurable business impact
• Technical background: AI/ML, cloud and DevSecOps, cybersecurity or citizen-facing digital services
• Experience partnering with Business Development/Capture/Proposal teams to shape win strategies
• Executive presence & communication skills

Salary: $250K to $350K base + bonus + equity