Defense Partnerships Manager

Every idea starts with a problem. Ours was simple: Boats are special — but they’re loud, pollutant, unreliable, and stuck in the past. Gas-powered boats dominate not because they’re great, but because no better option has existed. Until now.

Arc is here to change that. We’re building 100% electric boats from the ground up — quicker, quieter, easier to maintain, and better for the water they ride on. We’re not just swapping gas for batteries. We’re rethinking every detail on the boat — from propulsion and powertrain to software and ownership model — applying first-principles engineering from aerospace and EVs to deliver a better boating experience.

Electric boats haven’t taken over yet. The tech hasn’t been ready. The talent hasn’t been focused here. That’s our opportunity — and we’re moving fast.

We’re looking for someone who’s fired up by our mission and ready to build. This will be a critical role in identifying, cultivating, and leading high-impact partnerships across the defense, technology, and maritime sectors. This is a full-time, on-site role at our Los Angeles headquarters.

You’ll report to our CTO and work closely with a lean, high-trust team where everyone’s work matters.

• →Developing and executing partnership strategies 
• →Identifying and prioritizing opportunities across defense and commercial maritime sectors
• →Engaging senior stakeholders from defense primes, emerging tech providers, key suppliers, academic organizations, and government entities
• →Identifying relevant programs and contracts where our technology can be applied, with a strong understanding of defense procurement pathways
• →Leading negotiations on partnership terms, agreements, and contracts
• →Guiding business strategy using market research, advisor networks, and a command of the broader competitive landscape

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred
• 7+ years of experience in a strategic role in a high-velocity environment, with exposure to defense, maritime, aerospace, or robotics industries
• Demonstrated track record of closing deals, winning programs, and forming high-value partnerships with public and private sector entities
• Strong understanding of defense procurement pathways and the Defense Industrial Base
• Eligible for security clearance as needed
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and concisely
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and building a function from scratch at a fast but sustainable pace
• Ability to travel regularly (approximately 20–30%)

• Experience working at an emerging technology defense contractor
• Experience in strategy consulting 
• Eligibility for security clearance as needed
• Experience in the maritime industry or with a government agency dealing with the marine domain
• Direct experience engaging with government program offices
• Familiarity with autonomy, robotics, and maritime systems
• Enthusiasm for boating and clean energy

At Arc, we encourage diversity and consider all qualified applicants equally for employment, regardless of background, identity, or status. You’re always welcome to reach out even if you don’t meet many of these qualifications. Passion and aptitude make up for a lot.

We move with urgency and build with care. We value these five things above all else:

• Ownership over both your work and the company’s success
• Empathy for colleagues and for customers
• Humility  in problem solving and collaboration
• Pragmatism for navigating ambiguity quickly and sensibly 
• Inclusion of different backgrounds, opinions, cultures, and perspectives.

We want people who share and embody these values. It is vital that our values align - we’d be happy to elaborate on any or all of these during the interview process.

Hope to hear from you soon!

The Crew at Arc