Director of Navy Programs

About Us:
Collaborative autonomy is how self-tasking teams of machines will solve hard human problems, and HavocAI is an unquestioned leader in collaborative autonomy. We set the standard for autonomous surface vessels for a wide range of defense and commercial maritime missions. Success requires us to grow quickly, and we’re looking for teammates who are passionate about solving hard problems, about pushing the envelope, and about preventing conflict and saving lives. Ambition is welcome to apply within.

Role Overview
HavocAI is seeking a Director of Navy Programs to lead the identification, capture, and execution of strategic U.S. Navy and maritime defense opportunities. This role will be responsible for driving revenue growth, building and deepening customer relationships, shaping opportunities early, and positioning HavocAI as a leader in autonomous maritime operations.

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of Navy acquisition, operational priorities, and maritime mission needs, combined with proven business development, capture, and program execution experience. This individual will work closely with Growth, Product, Engineering, Mission Operations, and executive leadership to mature opportunities from early customer engagement through award and execution. This is a high-impact role for someone who can operate strategically with senior stakeholders while also getting into the details required to shape solutions, support product direction, and win complex defense opportunities.

Key Responsibilities
Identify, qualify, shape, and capture Navy and maritime defense opportunities aligned with HavocAI’s strategic priorities

Develop and execute account and capture strategies across key Navy customers, program offices, operational commands, and related defense organizations

Build and maintain trusted relationships with Navy stakeholders, primes, shipbuilders, defense partners, and industry leaders

Lead opportunity-shaping activities, including customer engagement, teaming strategy, competitive positioning, requirements influence, and win strategy development

Partner cross-functionally with Growth, Product, Engineering, Mission Operations, and leadership teams to align customer needs with HavocAI’s technical and operational capabilities

Support proposal development, pricing strategy, customer messaging, and overall pursuit execution

Maintain accurate pipeline forecasting, opportunity tracking, and customer engagement records within CRM systems

Represent HavocAI at industry events, exercises, demonstrations, customer meetings, and partner engagements

Help expand HavocAI’s presence across maritime autonomy, unmanned systems, distributed operations, and related mission areas

Translate customer needs and operational feedback into actionable product, engineering, and program priorities

Support the development of repeatable go-to-market strategies for Navy and maritime defense customers

Qualifications
7+ years of experience in defense business development, capture, program development, or Navy-focused sales

Strong understanding of U.S. Navy acquisition processes, organizations, funding pathways, and operational priorities

Demonstrated experience leading or supporting successful captures within the defense market

Existing relationships across Navy, DoD, maritime, shipbuilding, or defense industry stakeholders

Ability to operate effectively in fast-moving, highly collaborative environments

Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills

Ability to engage at both the executive and operator level, translating mission needs into actionable business and product opportunities

Willingness and ability to get into the details of customer requirements, product capabilities, and technical solution development

Experience with autonomous systems, maritime platforms, robotics, defense technology, or related fields preferred

Ability to travel up to 60% as needed for customer engagement, demonstrations, exercises, and industry events

Preferred Background
Experience working with unmanned systems, maritime autonomy, naval operations, or distributed maritime capabilities

Familiarity with OTAs, SBIRs, RFIs, RFPs, program offices, POM cycles, and other defense acquisition pathways

Prior military service, especially within the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, or maritime-focused joint environments

Direct experience supporting Navy customers, naval acquisition organizations, operational commands, or maritime defense programs

Experience working in a high-growth defense technology startup or scaling business development function

Strong understanding of autonomy, ISR, C2, unmanned surface vessels, or related maritime mission areas

Success Profile
The successful Director of Navy Programs will be a strategic, customer-facing leader who can identify and shape high-value opportunities while working internally to ensure HavocAI is positioned to win and deliver.
This person will bring strong Navy and maritime domain knowledge, trusted customer relationships, disciplined capture execution, and the ability to operate with urgency in a fast-paced startup environment. They will be comfortable building structure where it does not yet exist, moving between strategy and execution, and representing HavocAI with credibility across customers, partners, and industry stakeholders.
Key attributes include:
Mission-driven and customer-focused

Strong Navy and maritime defense network

Commercially minded with disciplined capture instincts

Forward-leaning and proactive in shaping opportunities early

Comfortable operating in ambiguity and building scalable processes

Strong cross-functional collaborator with Product, Engineering, Operations, and Growth

Excellent communicator with executive presence

Able to translate operational needs into product and business priorities

High ownership, urgency, and accountability

Location: Flexible / Hybrid
Travel: Up to 60%

Benefits:
100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families

Life Insurance (Employer Paid)

Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)

Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum

Equity Package

Work / Home Office Stipend

Global Entry

16 Week Paid Parental Leave

Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend

Our Values:
Innovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology.

Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships.

Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission—protecting lives through innovation.

Forward-Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity.

Ownership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care.

Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it’s supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting impact.

HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.