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
Mission
To foster an inclusive culture that emphasizes teamwork, excellence, and strong relationships. By maintaining low overhead we are able to operate a flat organization, improving employee satisfaction and retention, while providing unparalleled support to our clients, thus helping them thrive in their mission spaces.
Vision
Empowering our clients and advancing their missions by connecting them with emerging technologies and highly-skilled personnel tailored to the customer’s unique needs, while providing our employees with a diverse array of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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.
🚨 GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🚨 We’ve got some new cornerstone mascots around the office and they really brighten up the day! ✨ Want one to level up your desk or workspace? Here is your chance to win!
We are giving away a matching set of our brand-new, ultra-cute office mascots to one lucky winner and their bestie! 👯♂️ Whether you need a splash of magic or some out-of-this-world energy, we’ve got you covered.
Pick your squad leader from these pictures: 🧜♀️ The Magical Mermaid – For those deep-dive focus sessions 🐯 The Feisty Tiger – To bring out your fierce, go-getter energy 👽 The Quirky Alien – For out-of-this-world creative ideas 🦄 The Majestic Unicorn – To add a little sparkle to your daily tasks
👇 HOW TO ENTER 👇 1️⃣ COMMENT your favorite mascot from these pictures (Mermaid, Tiger, Alien, or Unicorn). 2️⃣ TAG a friend who needs to brighten up their workspace, too!
That’s it! 🎉 If your name is drawn, we’ll send your favorite mascot straight to your desk, AND one over to your tagged friend, too! 🎁 Can’t wait to see if you win? You can also head over to our Swag Store right now to order the whole crew and build your ultimate desk lineup! 🛍️✨
✨ Lunch & Learn vibes! ✨ Our recruiting team gathered in the conference room today for a delicious lunch from one of our favorites — Chopsticks 🥡😋 — and an energizing training session led by our Recruiting Manager!
We spent the afternoon diving into new AI capabilities within our CRM 🤖💡. As we continue learning and adopting tools that help us move faster and work smarter, one thing remains non-negotiable: real human connection comes first. ❤️
AI can help boost our efficiency, support our workflows, and streamline processes across recruiting and operations — but it will never replace the genuine conversations, meaningful outreach, and personal relationships our recruiters build every single day. 🌟
At the end of the day, our people are our strength — and we’re excited to keep learning, growing, and connecting together. 💬🤝💙 ...
Can you relate!? 😂🙃 If so, check out the Program Manager JD, below — if it seems like a fit, we’d love to hear from you!
Job Overview Role: Program Manager Location: Colorado Springs, CO (On-site only) Salary: $170,000 – $210,000 Clearance: Active TS/SCI with SAP Eligibility Company: Cornerstone Defense
Key Responsibilities Lead the Mission: Direct team priorities and align operations with user needs. Manage Cybersecurity: Maintain system ATO through RMF, POA&M remediation, and security coordination. Deliver on Time: Produce contract deliverables and CDRLs to government standards. Synchronize with Space Force: Align technical refreshes and financials with acquisition rhythms. Support Teams and Subs: Oversee subcontractors and maintain facility security postures.
Required Qualifications Experience: Program or technical project management on classified DoD or IC programs. Domain Knowledge: Space Domain Awareness (SDA) or Space Situational Awareness (SSA) missions. Cybersecurity: Practical Risk Management Framework (RMF) and authorization experience. Acquisition: Direct work with U.S. Space Force acquisition and financial processes. Education: Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or equivalent experience. Requirements: U.S. citizenship and ability to complete SCI/SAP indoctrination. ...
Our office isnt in Hawaii — but maybe this is what it would look like if it was !? 🌺🐠🏝️But … we are hiring there, for several positions! Check out the job descriptions on our website for more info on our openings. If something looks like a fit, reach out and let’s get you hired! ✅✅ ...
If you were looking for a sign — this was it! 😂 🚀 WE’RE HIRING: Industry Engagement Officer (Cyber) 🚀 Looking to drive cyber capability development at the highest levels of national security? We are hiring an Industry Engagement Officer to bridge the gap between commercial tech innovation and defense priorities.|
🔒 Active TS/SCI Clearance Required 💰 Salary: $150,000 – $180,000 📍 Location: Arlington & Alexandria, VA (DMV Area)
🎯 Key Responsibilities • Strategic Partnerships: Map emerging commercial technologies to U.S. Cyber Command requirements. • Acquisition Support: Evaluate capability documents (ICDs, CNS) to guide senior leadership investment decisions. • Industry Engagement: Plan and lead quarterly Industry Days, tech exchanges, and defense workshops. • Coalition Building: Connect private tech firms, academia, and FFRDCs with Department of Defense priorities. 🛡️ Qualifications • Experience: Bachelor’s + 12 years OR Master’s + 10 years of technical/analytical support experience. • Gov/Military Background: 5+ years as a USG civilian or military member. • Tech Collaboration: 5+ years building USG-industry coalitions for emerging technology solutions. • Executive Presence: Proven success briefing senior military, government, and tech executives. 👉 How to Apply: Drop a comment below, send a DM, or click the link in our bio! ...