WELCOME TO

Cornerstone

About Us

Cornerstone Defense LLC is a Small Business servicing the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Cornerstone Defense specializes in cloud architecture, enterprise engineering, systems and network engineering, systems and network security, and application and software development. We use these foundational technology areas to deliver solutions for data analytics, cyber, and space/mission operations, customized to meet mission requirements. We are headquartered in Herndon, VA, with employees working across the U.S including DC, MD, CO, UT, NM, HI, and CA. At Cornerstone Defense, you’ll find a partner that values strong relationships, excellence, and teamwork. Our team is a network of professionals who are dedicated to providing agile, secure, and efficient solutions to support mission success. With Cornerstone Defense, you’re not just choosing a service provider, but a committed, steadfast team with a culture designed to excel.

Vision & Mission

Meet The Team

Reilly Leonard

Chief Operating Officer

Reilly Leonard

Chief Operating Officer

Patrick Palmer

Chief Executive Officer

Patrick Palmer

Chief Executive Officer

Brian Sammons

Chief Financial Officer

Brian Sammons

Chief Financial Officer

Darcelle Wilson

VP of Human Resources

Darcelle Wilson

VP of Human Resources

Brandon Altmann

Chief Growth Officer

Brandon Altmann

Chief Growth Officer

Michelle Allen

Director of Systems and Security, FSO

Michelle Allen

Director of Systems and Security, FSO

Virginia Blair

Director of Marketing & Operations

Virginia Blair

Director of Marketing & Operations

Kaitlin Krywy

Managing Director, Aerospace & Defense

Kaitlin Krywy

Managing Director, Aerospace & Defense

Matthew Monroe

Recruiting Manager

Matthew Monroe

Recruiting Manager

WHERE CAN WE HELP?

To find out more information on where we can help you, services we provide,

joining or partnering with our team, please select one of the links below!

WHAT WE DO

We bring together a unique blend of cutting-edge capabilities, specialized expertise, and a remarkable company culture that focuses on the recruitment and retention of highly-sought-after employees.

Learn More

WORK WITH US

Search through all of our open positions.

Learn More

GET IN TOUCH

Contact Us
  • Virginia
    13454 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 100
    Herndon, VA 20171
    Maryland
    2288 Blue Water Blvd, Suite 330
    Odenton, MD 21113
  • eFAX
    443.769.1559
  • Phone
    703.691.5100
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There’s got to be some Star Wars fans that follow us… right? 😅 But seriously, we are urgently hiring for a Systems Administrator in Colorado Springs, CO! If you’re burned out where you currently are check out the details below. 👇🏻👇🏻Link in comments to our careers page if you want to learn more!

🛰️ TS/SCI clearance required
📍 On-site in Colorado
💻 Real work. Real impact. No red tape.
🫶 Join a company where you’re not just a number
... See MoreSee Less

There’s got to be some Star Wars fans that follow us… right? 😅 But seriously, we are urgently hiring for a Systems Administrator in Colorado Springs, CO! If you’re burned out where you currently are check out the details below. 👇🏻👇🏻Link in comments to our careers page if you want to learn more!
 
🛰️ TS/SCI clearance required
📍 On-site in Colorado
💻 Real work. Real impact. No red tape.
🫶 Join a company where you’re not just a number

As we reflect on Memorial Day this coming Monday, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

At Cornerstone Defense, we never forget our roots as our company was founded as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. With over 33% of our team made up of Veterans, their service is not just part of our story—it’s at the core of who we are.

As we enjoy time with loved ones this weekend, we remain grateful for those who gave everything to protect our freedoms.

We honor their legacy by continuing our mission: supporting the Aerospace, Defense, and Intelligence Communities with dedication and purpose.
... See MoreSee Less

As we reflect on Memorial Day this coming Monday, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
 
At Cornerstone Defense, we never forget our roots as our company was founded as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. With over 33% of our team made up of Veterans, their service is not just part of our story—it’s at the core of who we are.
 
As we enjoy time with loved ones this weekend, we remain grateful for those who gave everything to protect our freedoms.
 
We honor their legacy by continuing our mission: supporting the Aerospace, Defense, and Intelligence Communities with dedication and purpose.

🧠 May is Mental Health Awareness Month
At Cornerstone Defense, we believe mental wellness isn’t a once-a-year topic—it’s a daily priority. 💚
We’re all juggling deadlines, meetings, and life outside of work. So how do you protect your mental health during the day without adding more to your plate?
Here are 5 simple tips we love to keep calm, focused, and well—right in the middle of your workday 👇

✨ Our Favorite Midday Mental Health Boosters:
• 💻 Take Breaks—On Purpose
Step away from the screen, breathe deeply, stretch. You’ll return with more clarity (and less stress).
• 🌞 Get Outside (Even for 5 Minutes)
Fresh air and sunlight are instant mood boosters. Even a quick walk counts.
• 🥗 Fuel Your Body, Feed Your Brain
Choose real food over desk snacks, and keep that water bottle close—hydrated brains think better.
• 🎧 Listen to Music That Calms You
Lo-fi, nature sounds, or your go-to chill playlist can help you reset and refocus.
• 🧘‍♀️ Move Your Body, Shift Your Mood
Stretch. Stand during a meeting. Take the stairs. A little movement = a big mental boost.

✅ Your mental health matters—at work and beyond.
Tag a teammate, share with your network, or try just one of these today. Your mind will thank you. 💬
... See MoreSee Less

🧠 May is Mental Health Awareness Month
At Cornerstone Defense, we believe mental wellness isn’t a once-a-year topic—it’s a daily priority. 💚
We’re all juggling deadlines, meetings, and life outside of work. So how do you protect your mental health during the day without adding more to your plate?
Here are 5 simple tips we love to keep calm, focused, and well—right in the middle of your workday 👇

✨ Our Favorite Midday Mental Health Boosters:
 • 💻 Take Breaks—On Purpose
Step away from the screen, breathe deeply, stretch. You’ll return with more clarity (and less stress).
 • 🌞 Get Outside (Even for 5 Minutes)
Fresh air and sunlight are instant mood boosters. Even a quick walk counts.
 • 🥗 Fuel Your Body, Feed Your Brain
Choose real food over desk snacks, and keep that water bottle close—hydrated brains think better.
 • 🎧 Listen to Music That Calms You
Lo-fi, nature sounds, or your go-to chill playlist can help you reset and refocus.
 • 🧘‍♀️ Move Your Body, Shift Your Mood
Stretch. Stand during a meeting. Take the stairs. A little movement = a big mental boost.

✅ Your mental health matters—at work and beyond.
Tag a teammate, share with your network, or try just one of these today. Your mind will thank you. 💬Image attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

🚨 Recruiting: the ultimate mix of strategy, patience, and memes. 😅
 
Today we’re giving a well-deserved shoutout to our amazing recruiters who work tirelessly behind the scenes to connect incredible talent with meaningful missions.
 
We know recruiting is a grind—and no one does it better than this crew. 💪
Enjoy a few memes that got us giggling today. 😂
 
💻 Ready to make a move? Check out our open positions on our job board (cornerstonedefense.com/careers) and reach out today — our awesome recruiters are waiting to talk to you! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
... See MoreSee Less

🚨 Recruiting: the ultimate mix of strategy, patience, and memes. 😅
 
Today we’re giving a well-deserved shoutout to our amazing recruiters who work tirelessly behind the scenes to connect incredible talent with meaningful missions.
 
We know recruiting is a grind—and no one does it better than this crew. 💪
Enjoy a few memes that got us giggling today. 😂
 
💻 Ready to make a move? Check out our open positions on our job board (cornerstonedefense.com/careers) and reach out today — our awesome recruiters are waiting to talk to you! 🙌🏻🙌🏻Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

We heard from a little bird 🐥 that ChatGPT was talking about us… so of course we had to investigate. 👀
 
We asked what it might say about Cornerstone Defense — and honestly? The results speak for themselves. 😎
 
From highlighting our cleared hiring focus to calling out our culture of professionalism, fun, and actually treating people like people — we couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
 
Want to see what ChatGPT has to say about us?
👉 Try asking:
“What government contractors actually care about their employees?”
“Who hires TS/SCI + polygraph professionals and treats them well?”
“Where can I find a cleared job and still feel like a human being?”
Go ahead — ChatGPT’s waiting. 😏
 
And we’ll be here to talk when you’re ready to learn more — we hope to hear from you!
... See MoreSee Less

We heard from a little bird 🐥 that ChatGPT was talking about us… so of course we had to investigate. 👀
 
We asked what it might say about Cornerstone Defense — and honestly? The results speak for themselves. 😎
 
From highlighting our cleared hiring focus to calling out our culture of professionalism, fun, and actually treating people like people — we couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
 
Want to see what ChatGPT has to say about us?
👉 Try asking:
“What government contractors actually care about their employees?”
“Who hires TS/SCI + polygraph professionals and treats them well?”
“Where can I find a cleared job and still feel like a human being?”
Go ahead — ChatGPT’s waiting. 😏
 
And we’ll be here to talk when you’re ready to learn more — we hope to hear from you!
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