Director, Defense

Arc is on a mission to electrify the marine industry. We're rethinking powertrains, software, and vessel designs from first principles. And we're already executing. We started with consumer to develop and harden our core technology. We’re now scaling production of our flagship model with new models and sectors on the horizon. Now we’re extending our platform to commercial applications, starting with tugs, ferries, and defense, with years worth of signed contracts and a pipeline that spans every vessel type on the water.

The technology is proven, the momentum is building, and the opportunity is enormous. The marine industry is going electric and Arc is building the platform that powers it.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for a builder who's fired up by our mission and ready to stand up Arc's Defense organization from the ground up. As Director of Defense, you'll own the strategy, team, and external presence that establish Arc as a serious partner to the U.S. military, allied governments, and the defense industrial base. This is a high-visibility role where you'll shape how electric marine propulsion shows up across defense and unmanned maritime programs for the next decade.

This is a full-time, on-site role at our Los Angeles headquarters, reporting to our CTO. You'll build and lead a team, working closely with a lean, high-trust company where everyone's work matters.

What You'll Do

• Defining and owning Arc's Defense strategy across all service branches and adjacent government entities, with a clear multi-year roadmap tied to company objectives
• Building, hiring, and leading the Defense organization, including sales, business development, and technical program management
• Establishing the operating cadence, forecasting, and pipeline discipline for a durable defense business
• Serving as Arc's external face to the DoD, service branches, primes, and allied partners, building the executive-level relationships required to win programs of record
• Leading capture strategy and execution for priority pursuits across the full spectrum of defense procurement pathways
• Mapping relevant programs and contract vehicles to Arc's powertrain and power distribution capabilities, including emerging vehicles like Golden Fleet
• Partnering with Engineering, Product, and Operations to translate warfighter needs into the product roadmap
• Guiding company strategy with market intelligence, advisor networks, and a command of the competitive landscape, and represent Arc at industry forums, on the Hill, and with key stakeholders in all services
• Establishing the compliance and infrastructure foundation for a scaling defense business, including ITAR, CMMC, and clearance requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience across defense, aerospace, maritime, or dual-use hardware, with at least 4 years leading and building teams; prior experience standing up or scaling a defense function strongly preferred
• Demonstrated track record of winning and executing significant defense programs, including capture leadership on programs of record, OTAs, or major prime subcontracts
• Established relationships across the Navy, USMC, USCG, SOCOM, or relevant OSD offices, and credibility with the primes and non-traditional players in the maritime and unmanned domains
• Deep fluency in the Defense Industrial Base, defense acquisition, and the full range of procurement pathways from SBIR through programs of record
• Executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to represent Arc credibly to flag officers, senior acquisition officials, prime executives, and Congressional staff
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity, building a function from zero, and balancing near-term revenue with long-term positioning
• Bachelor's degree required; MBA, advanced technical degree, or military service background a plus
• This position may require access to export-controlled information.To comply with U.S. export control laws, applicants must be a U.S. Person as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR §120.15).
• Ability to travel 30–40%, including to D.C., Norfolk, San Diego, and other fleet concentration areas

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience working at an emerging technology defense contractor
• Experience in strategy consulting
• Experience in the maritime industry or with a government agency dealing with the marine domain
• Direct experience engaging with government program offices (e.g., PEO USC, PMS 406, NAVSEA)
• Familiarity with autonomy, robotics, and maritime systems
• Enthusiasm for boating and clean energy

What we offer

We don’t think great work happens by accident. We invest in the people building Arc — because when you’re supported, you do your best work.

• Salary: $270,000* + deal based eligibility

* This salary range reflects a California-based position and may be adjusted based on the candidate's geographic location

• Healthcare benefits — 99% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision
• Parental leave — 14 weeks fully paid for birthing and non-birthing parents
• Generous time off — Highly competitive PTO with an opportunity to earn more time with tenure
• Income protection — Life and disability insurance for all employees
• Retirement savings — Traditional and Roth 401(k) access
• Water fund — $500 for you to spend each year to get out on the water, however you choose
• Professional development — $500 annual reimbursement for professional development and a monthly AI stipend
• Safety Support — Annual reimbursement for PPE, ergonomic equipment and anything that ensures we keep our crew safe
• Captain training — Training and access to take Arcboats out with friends and family
• Office perks — Daily lunches, snacks, and good coffee while onsite
• Relocation assistance — Available depending on role eligibility.