Cleared · Defense · AI-Native
We find the people who aren’t looking.
A boutique talent advisory firm for high-stakes technical hiring — cleared, defense, and AI-native engineering, and the leaders who build those teams. We reach the specialists others can’t, from DC and NYC to nationwide.
Initiate a SearchWhy Sycamore Creek
You don’t need another resume screener. You need a talent engine.
From stealth defense startups to global institutions, we navigate complex, high-stakes hiring — reaching the specialists other firms can’t, across the full seniority spectrum from early-career cohorts to executive leadership.
Cleared & Defense Talent
Deep fluency in the cleared and defense ecosystem — from FPGA and reverse engineering to research leadership.
AI-Native Hiring
We know where LLM-native engineers actually are, and how to bring them to the teams building the frontier.
Hard-to-Reach Talent
The best people aren’t applying. We reach them discreetly, treat them well, and earn the conversation.
Lead Service
Retained Search
Dedicated, end-to-end ownership of your most critical hires. When a mis-hire isn’t an option — cleared engineering leads, AI-native specialists, confidential replacements — we run the search from market map to signed offer.
Embedded Recruiting
We integrate directly into your team for a defined engagement — inside your ATS and standups — building pipeline and scaling hiring without the overhead of a full-time recruiter.
Strategic Advising
When the problem is the process — slow interviews, uncompetitive offers, an org navigating AI-driven change — we advise leadership on compensation, interview design, and talent strategy.
Our Focus
Cleared, Defense & AI-Native Talent
AI is rewriting the org chart, and the cleared world is racing to keep up. We specialize in the hardest technical searches — LLM-native engineers, FPGA and reverse-engineering talent, research leadership — and the leaders who build those teams. From early-career cohorts to executive leadership, across DC, NYC, and nationwide.
The Track Record
We are defined by the offers we close.
Figures reflect completed engagements; identities withheld for confidentiality. See the full record
How We Work
Three steps from brief to signed offer.
Alignment
We define the precise technical requirements, cultural non-negotiables, and market realities.
Calibration
Within 72 hours, we deliver a targeted cross-section of passive profiles to align on the exact target.
Delivery
A discreet, high-touch outreach effort — we present a shortlist of fully vetted finalists, engaged and ready to move.