Second Front Systems (2F) is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Talent Acquisition to lead and scale our hiring function during a critical phase of company growth. We are a mission-driven defense-technology company operating at the intersection of cutting-edge software and national security, committed to delivering transformative solutions that empower the nation’s most critical teams.
At 2F, we combine the agility of a startup with the rigor required to support government and highly regulated environments. In this role, you will own and evolve our end-to-end talent acquisition function—ensuring we attract, assess, and hire exceptional talent capable of operating in the defense-tech ecosystem. You will serve as a trusted partner to senior leadership, translating business priorities into thoughtful, scalable hiring plans while building durable systems and processes that support long-term growth.
This role is ideal for a hands-on talent leader who understands the defense-tech landscape, has experience hiring for cleared and clearance-eligible roles, and can balance strategic leadership with day-to-day operational excellence and action.
Note: This role requires U.S. citizenship due to government contract requirements. Candidates must reside in one of our approved hiring hubs:
DC / Maryland / Virginia
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill, NC
Denver / Colorado Springs, CO
Dallas / Fort Worth, TX
Own and execute the company-wide talent acquisition strategy aligned to business priorities, growth plans, and budget
Serve as a strategic advisor to the executive team and functional leaders on workforce planning, headcount prioritization, and hiring tradeoffs
Lead hiring across technical, go-to-market, and G&A roles, with expertise in cleared and clearance-eligible hiring
Build and scale recruiting processes, including compliance-driven hiring considerations
Own and optimize all TA systems and tooling (ATS, interview workflows, reporting, vendor partnerships)
Ensure consistent, high-quality candidate experience from first touch through offer and close
Partner closely with the Executive team, hiring managers, and hiring teams to ensure outstanding results
Establish clear recruiting metrics and dashboards (time-to-hire, pipeline health, offer acceptance, quality of hire) and use data to drive continuous improvement
Develop hiring manager capability through structured interview training, calibration, and ongoing partnership
Manage external recruiting partners (RPO, retained search, agencies) as needed, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality outcomes
Build hiring strategies specific to our approved job hubs, balancing local market dynamics with remote and hybrid needs
Ability to translate business strategy into a clear, executable hiring roadmap
Strong judgment navigating tradeoffs between speed, quality, and compliance
Bias toward action, ownership, and measurable outcomes
Exceptional stakeholder management skills with senior leaders and executives
Ability and desire to get the job done well
Comfort operating in ambiguity while building structure and repeatability
8+ years of progressive talent acquisition experience, including leadership roles
Proven experience hiring for cleared or clearance-eligible roles within defense, aerospace, gov-tech, or adjacent regulated industries
Experience owning and scaling recruiting systems and infrastructure (ATS, tooling, analytics)
Track record of partnering closely with executive leadership and functional heads
Experience managing vendors, agencies, or RPO partners
Startup or high-growth company experience strongly preferred
Our Talent Tech Stack:
Ashby
Linkedin Recruiter
Complete All in One Compensation
The expected base salary range for this role is $200,000-$225,000. Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, level, and geographic location. This role may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and equity grants as part of the total compensation package.
Viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth
Having a bias toward action and tangible, measurable results
Striving to be both compassionate and direct with your feedback
Being team- and mission-oriented
This role is full-time As a public benefit corporation, we’re a team of purpose-driven trailblazers transforming the future of U.S. national security. We hire the best to do their best and, as such, we are committed to providing the perks and benefits you need to be successful—both in- and outside the workplace.
We offer you:
Competitive Salary
100% Healthcare, vision and dental coverage
401(k) + 3% company contribution
Equity incentive plan
Tech + office supplies stipend
Annual professional development stipend
Flexible paid time off + federal holidays off
Parental leave
Work from anywhere
Referral Bonus
Visit our careers page to learn more.
Second Front Systems (2F) is a public-benefit software company powering software for the free world. We eliminate the friction that slows innovation, enabling faster, more secure development and deployment of software across government and regulated networks. Built by national security veterans and backed by top-tier venture capital, our platform is trusted by the world’s leading organizations to cut deployment timelines from years to weeks. We move fast, solve hard problems, and deliver trusted capabilities where they’re needed most. Our work strengthens global security and gives the United States and its allies a lasting competitive advantage. Learn more at secondfront.com.
ONE LAST THING…
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Are you ready to join our team?
To apply, click the “Apply for This Job” button at the top or bottom of this page and complete the application form.
This position will remain open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
STATE NOTICES
Colorado:
In accordance with Colorado law, applicants may redact their date of birth, dates of attendance, and dates of graduation from any uploaded documents.
Maryland:
UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT, OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT AN INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION OR SIMILAR TEST. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100.