Defense Partnerships Manager
Arc Boats Co., Torrance, CA, United States
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.
Who we’re looking for
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.
Core responsibilities
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.
Our values
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.
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: $175,000
+ deal based eligibility
Ownership
– Equity in Arc
99% employer-paid health coverage
– Medical, dental, and vision
Arc Water Fund
– Annual stipend to get out on the water, however you choose
Captain Training
– Get certified to take the boat out with friends and family
401(k) access
– Plan your future
Semi-annual bonuses
– Tied to your impact, not just your tenure
Daily team lunches, snacks, and good coffee while onsite
Parental leave
– Because family comes first
Boat days
– Yes, we actually go out on the water. A lot.
A chance to define the future of boating
The ability to drive positive environmental change through your work
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
Who we’re looking for
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.
Core responsibilities
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.
Our values
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.
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: $175,000
+ deal based eligibility
Ownership
– Equity in Arc
99% employer-paid health coverage
– Medical, dental, and vision
Arc Water Fund
– Annual stipend to get out on the water, however you choose
Captain Training
– Get certified to take the boat out with friends and family
401(k) access
– Plan your future
Semi-annual bonuses
– Tied to your impact, not just your tenure
Daily team lunches, snacks, and good coffee while onsite
Parental leave
– Because family comes first
Boat days
– Yes, we actually go out on the water. A lot.
A chance to define the future of boating
The ability to drive positive environmental change through your work
#J-18808-Ljbffr