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
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Ever scan the horizon looking for your next big opportunity… only to have it literally appear in front of you? ☁️⛅😂 We hope this caught your eye like it caught ours! 👀👀👀 If you’re searching, check out some info on one of our hob jobs, this week, below!

Hot Job Highlights – Systems Engineer (TS/SCI + Poly Required):
Location: Chantilly, VA

Why Cornerstone Defense:
• Employer of Choice across Intelligence, Defense, and Space
• Culture built around supporting you while you support the mission
• Work/life balance, real impact, real growth
Benefits Snapshot:
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision
• Generous PTO
• 401(k), HSA/FSA options
• Tuition Reimbursement + Training
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Referral & Leads Generation Programs
• Lifelock, Travel Assistance, Legal & Financial Planning perks
Role Overview — Systems Engineer:
• Modernize and redesign a week‑long Systems Engineering training program
• Lead technical refresh of outdated course content
• Partner with instructional designers, multimedia, graphics, and SMEs
• Convert complex engineering concepts into engaging adult‑learning materials
• Support exercises, case studies, scenarios, assessments, and practical examples
• Coordinate requirements across technical teams and stakeholders
• Refine instructor guides, student guides, slide decks, job aids, and supporting documentation
Required Experience:
• Active TS/SCI + Poly
• 10+ years Systems Engineering experience
• Intelligence Community background
• Strong systems engineering lifecycle & requirements coordination experience
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts clearly
• Communication, collaboration, and organization skills
Bonus Points:
• Experience developing or delivering SE training
• Adult learning / instructional design familiarity (ADDIE, SAM, etc.)
• Modernizing technical training content
• Scenario-based learning experience
• Background in model-based SE, architecture frameworks, or requirements tools
• Prior instructor, SME, or course developer experience
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Intern series, part 2! 🌟 Our other two interns, Rachel and Grier, are making the most of their summer experience.
 
Here is what they are looking forward to:
Rachel: Applying her school knowledge to real business scenarios across accounting, finance, and contracts. 📈
Grier: Networking with highly qualified government contracting candidates and discovering how a business operates behind the scenes. 🤝
 
👉 Scroll through the photo slides to learn more about them and what brought them here! Don’t forget to drop a 👏 in the comments to give them some intern appreciation!
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Summer is heating up, and so are our amazing internship projects! ☀️💼 We are absolutely thrilled to spotlight two of our fantastic summer interns, Zach and Katherine.
 
From day one, their fresh perspectives and drive to learn have brought so much energy to the team. 🚀 We can’t wait to see the impact they’ll continue to make!
 
Curious about what they are working on, their favorite coffee orders, and what brought them here? 👇
 
👉 Swipe through the pictures to get to know Zach and Katherine better, and drop a 👏 in the comments to give them some intern appreciation!
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We work hard, but we know how to celebrate our mission! 🥂✨ So grateful for this incredible crew at our recent team dinner. We are expanding our amazing team and looking for a new rockstar to join us!
Are you a cyber mastermind with an active TS/SCI w/ Poly? If you want to tackle the nation’s toughest security challenges with Cornerstone Defense, we need to talk! 🚀🛡️

🕵️‍♂️ The Role: Lead Cyber Systems Engineer | Linthicum Heights, MD
💸 The Pay: $230K - $250K
Here’s what you’ll be doing:
• 🛡️ Defensive Magic: Use an offensive cyber mindset to assess DOD systems, hunt vulnerabilities, and secure architectures.
• 🤝 Lead & Inspire: Mentor and lead senior systems engineers, helping them crush their goals!
• 🏗️ Architect the Future: Build zero-trust frameworks, evaluate contractor proposals, and shape acquisition documents.
• 🌟 Mission Champion: Build strong relationships with our customers to drive mission success.
What you need to bring to the table:
• 📜 The Badge: Active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph (Required)
• 🧠 The Brains: Relevant STEM BS/MS + 15 years of systems engineering experience (including 6 years in a lead role).
• 🔒 The Skills: Zero Trust experience (INCOSE and NIST knowledge are huge pluses)!

In return, you get an epic benefits package including generous PTO, top-tier medical/dental/vision, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, and so much more! 🌟
Ready to take your career to the next level with an Employer of Choice? Send me a message, or apply directly through Cornerstone Defense Careers to join our growing family! 📥👇
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✨ Posting a little early while we’re all still in the office — but we couldn’t resist sharing this shot with the stars & stripes proudly behind us! Happy almost 4th of July and America’s 250th birthday! Grateful every day for the work we do supporting U.S. government missions, and especially for our Cornerstone teammates who are veterans and active‑duty service members.
 
Big flag, big smiles, big purpose. ❤️🤍💙
 
How are you celebrating the holiday this year? Drop your plans below! 🎆👇
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