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.