Director of Defense Strategy & Partnerships

Menlo Ventures; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 243,000 - 297,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Parental leave

Generous time off

Income protection

Retirement savings plan (401k)

Water fund

Job summary

Arc is seeking a Director of Defense to own our defense strategy, build a high-impact team, and serve as Arc's external face to the U.S. military and allied partners.

This on-site role at our Los Angeles area headquarters leads a growing function across sales, BD, and program management, with a clear multi-year roadmap and close collaboration with Engineering and Operations. The role demands a decade of defense-related experience, strong relationships within the DoD, executive presence, and the

Qualifications

• 10+ years in defense/aerospace/maritime hardware, with ≥4 years leading teams
• Proven track record in defense programs and capture leadership
• Established relationships across Navy/USMC/USCG/SOCOM or OSD offices
• Deep fluency in the Defense Industrial Base and procurement pathways
• Executive presence and ability to engage flag officers and senior officials
• Comfort operating in ambiguity and building a function from zero
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or military background a plus
• Willingness to travel 30–40%, including DC, Norfolk, San Diego

Responsibilities

• Define and own Arc's Defense strategy across service branches with a multi-year roadmap
• Build, hire, and lead the Defense organization including sales, BD, and program management
• Establish operating cadence, forecasting, and pipeline discipline for the defense business
• Serve as Arc's external face to DoD and primes, building executive-level relationships
• Lead capture strategy and execution for priority defense pursuits
• Map programs and contract vehicles to Arc's powertrain capabilities
• Collaborate with Engineering, Product, and Operations to align warfighter needs with roadmap
• Shape company strategy with market intelligence and advisor networks
• Ensure ITAR/CMMC compliance and necessary infrastructure

Skills

Defense leadership

Strategic planning

Business development

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

MBA or advanced technical degree a plus

Job description

Arc is seeking a Director of Defense to own our defense strategy, build a high-impact team, and serve as Arc's external face to the U.S. military and allied partners.

This on-site role at our Los Angeles area headquarters leads a growing function across sales, BD, and program management, with a clear multi-year roadmap and close collaboration with Engineering and Operations. The role demands a decade of defense-related experience, strong relationships within the DoD, executive presence, and the