The VP of Rapid Prototyping and Capabilities

MetroStar is seeking a VP of Rapid Prototyping and Capabilities to lead the company’s mission-aligned technical strategy and accelerate innovation from concept to impact. This leader will guide the evolution of R&D efforts, accelerators, and AI/ML prototypes into validated, scalable solutions that drive customer adoption and company growth.

As VP of Rapid Prototyping and Capabilities, you’ll bridge innovation and delivery by shaping the technical direction of our solutions portfolio driving mission outcomes, OEM partnerships, and investment returns through disciplined execution and a human-centered mindset.

We know that you can’t have great technology services without amazing people. At MetroStar, we are obsessed with our people and have led a two-decade legacy of building the best and brightest teams. Because we know our future relies on our deep understanding and relentless focus on our people, we live by our mission: A passion for our people. Value for our customers.

What You’ll Do

Mission-Aligned Technical Stewardship: Partner with Tech Fellows, innovation teams, and delivery leaders to validate mission challenges, ensuring R&D efforts are rooted in real-world problems. Foster a culture of “listen, build, validate.”
Accelerator-to-Impact Discipline: Lead a structured pipeline from R&D → MVP → Deployment, ensuring all innovation work produces validated, production-ready outcomes that scale across missions and customers.
Strategic MVP Deployment: Partner with mission owners (e.g., Strategic Intel Customers) to deliver production-ready AI/ML MVPs within the first year—driving technical credibility, adoption, and customer momentum.
OEM Co-Development & Expansion: Co-develop joint GTM initiatives with OEM partners (e.g., NVIDIA, Palantir, Databricks, Salesforce) to align MetroStar’s roadmap with partner capabilities and customer demand.
Human-Centered Solution Design: Champion design thinking throughout solution development. Ensure technical solutions incorporate intuitive UX, data-driven insights, and mission user feedback to maximize adoption, usability, and trust.
Hackathons & Tech Challenges: Lead MetroStar-led hackathons, technical challenges, and innovation sprints that fuel new accelerator concepts and attract top technical talent. Guide teams in rapid prototyping to validate new technologies and mission solutions. Support Growth team through capture and proposal activities.
Tightly Coupled with Product Team: Collaborate with the VP of Product to determine which accelerators advance into full productization. Prioritize validated, mission-backed MVPs that can be scaled and monetized.
Investment Discipline & Portfolio Focus: Manage a balanced innovation portfolio that aligns with company-wide goals. Drive accountability and measurable ROI from every solution investment.

What You’ll Bring

10+ years of experience in solution engineering, R&D, or technology strategy, ideally within Federal or enterprise environments.
Proven experience leading the full lifecycle from concept to deployed AI/ML or digital solutions.
Deep understanding of human-centered design and its application to technical innovation.
Experience running hackathons, innovation challenges, or internal incubators that drive tangible outcomes.
Track record of collaboration with OEM and platform partners to co-develop mission-aligned solutions.
Strong executive communication skills and the ability to translate technical impact into business value.

SALARY RANGE: $230,000 - 253,000

The salary range for this position is determined based on qualifications, skills, and relevant experience. The final salary offered will be determined based on several factors including:

The candidate's professional background and relevant work experience
The specific responsibilities of the role and organizational needs
Internal equity and alignment with current team compensation
This role is also eligible for additional compensation, subject to the terms and policies of MetroStar, which may include:

Performance-based bonuses
Company-paid training and/or certifications
Referral bonuses

To apply for this position, please submit your resume via the form below or through our careers page: https://www.metrostar.com/jobs/

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled; candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible for full consideration.

Additional Compensation: This role may also be eligible for bonuses and/or additional incentives based on individual and company performance.

Benefits: All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our benefits programs:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
Parental Leave and dependent care
Flexible work arrangements
Professional development opportunities
Employee assistance and wellness programs

Like we said, we are big fans of our people. That’s why we offer a generous benefits package, professional growth, and valuable time to recharge. Learn more about our company culture code and benefits. Plus, check out our accolades.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit and without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

What we want you to know:

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

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VP, Rapid Prototyping and Capabilities (6205)

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