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

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
Globe
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AI is changing the industry. Human relationships still win careers. 🤖🤝✨

As the world moves faster and faster into AI, automation, and constant innovation, we’re evolving right alongside it. 🚀 But one thing that will never change for us? The importance of authenticity, culture, and real human connection. 💙

Technology can streamline processes. AI can enhance workflows. But neither can replace truly getting to know people, hearing their stories, celebrating their wins, and building genuine relationships along the way. 🫶

We came across these photos from a happy hour last year that somehow never made it to the feed 🍻📸 — and honestly, these smiles were way too good not to share.

Because no matter how advanced the industry becomes… you still can’t fake genuine laughter, authentic connections, and people who genuinely enjoy being around each other. 😊✨

The future may be powered by AI, but great teams will always be powered by people. 💫
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Hiring: Quality Assurance Linux Administration (2 roles) 🐧🛡️
If your happy place is a terminal window and you can spin up bare‑metal or virtual Linux servers before your coffee cools, we want to meet you. We’re adding two QA Linux Admins—one Level 1 and one Level 2—to help keep mission‑critical systems secure, compliant, and humming across time zones. 🌍
 
What you’ll do
Stand up and harden Linux servers (bare‑metal + virtual), then keep them secure and stable in live and lab/test environments. 🧱⚙️
Drive security compliance (SSP knowledge = big bonus ✅) and maintain systems through updates and audits. 🔐
Learn customer software/hardware capabilities—and keep them maintained like a pro. 🧠🔧
Partner directly with government leadership to roll out updates across multiple projects. 🏛️🚀
Support local + remote customers across multiple time zones (yes, we coordinate the timestamps 😉). 🕰️
 
Open roles (2)
Level 1: 4️⃣ years experience + Bachelor’s 🎓
Level 2: 9️⃣ years experience + Bachelor’s 🎓
 
Linux culture welcome here—whether you say directory or (oops) folder. Apply today and help us keep systems battle‑ready.
👉 Apply via our website!
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Hiring: Quality Assurance Linux Administration (2 roles) 🐧🛡️
If your happy place is a terminal window and you can spin up bare‑metal or virtual Linux servers before your coffee cools, we want to meet you. We’re adding two QA Linux Admins—one Level 1 and one Level 2—to help keep mission‑critical systems secure, compliant, and humming across time zones. 🌍
 
What you’ll do
Stand up and harden Linux servers (bare‑metal + virtual), then keep them secure and stable in live and lab/test environments. 🧱⚙️
Drive security compliance (SSP knowledge = big bonus ✅) and maintain systems through updates and audits. 🔐
Learn customer software/hardware capabilities—and keep them maintained like a pro. 🧠🔧
Partner directly with government leadership to roll out updates across multiple projects. 🏛️🚀
Support local + remote customers across multiple time zones (yes, we coordinate the timestamps 😉). 🕰️
 
Open roles (2)
Level 1: 4️⃣ years experience + Bachelor’s 🎓
Level 2: 9️⃣ years experience + Bachelor’s 🎓
 
Linux culture welcome here—whether you say directory or (oops) folder. Apply today and help us keep systems battle‑ready.
👉 Apply via our website!
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Accountability isn’t just a value — it’s a commitment that shapes every decision, every interaction, and every outcome. In last quarter’s newsletter article, our CEO reflects on what accountability and ownership really look like inside an organization — and why they must start at the top.

From the expectations we set, to the environments we create, leaders set the tone. And when accountability is present at every level, teams can truly thrive, innovate, and trust one another.

Swipe through to read the full message, including a re‑imagined thought on one of Neil Peart’s most iconic lines — and why it resonates so strongly with how we show up for our people every day.

👉 Swipe to read, and drop your thoughts in the comments: What does accountability mean to you as a leader, coworker, or part of the Cornerstone team?
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It may be raining at our Herndon office today 🌧️, but that just makes it the perfect moment to keep the “Where in the World is Cornerstone Defense?” series rolling!

So tell us… where in the world are you today?
• Holding it down at the office? 🖥️
• Soaking up the sun on vacation? ☀️✈️
• Working remote somewhere with an unforgettable view? 🌄🌍
• Or maybe cozied up at home with your favorite mug? ☕🏡

Drop a comment and let us know — we love seeing how our Cornerstone community shows up from different corners of the world. ✨

And rain or shine, beach or boardroom… guess what? We’re still hiring! 🌎🚀
If you’re looking for your next mission‑driven opportunity, come join us.
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