Defense Partnerships Manager

What we're building

The marine industry supports recreation, global commerce, and national defense. And yet it runs on technology that hasn't meaningfully changed in fifty years. Until now.

Arc is on a mission to electrify the marine industry. We're rethinking powertrains, software, and vessel designs from first principles. And we're already executing. We started with consumers to develop and harden our core technology. We're now scaling production of our flagship model with new models and sectors on the horizon. Now we're extending our platform to commercial applications, starting with tugs, ferries, and defense, with years worth of signed contracts and a pipeline that spans every vessel type on the water.

The technology is proven, the momentum is building, and the opportunity is enormous. The marine industry is going electric and Arc is building the platform that powers it.

Who we're looking for

As Arc’s Defense Partnerships Manager, you will own identifying, cultivating, and leading high-impact partnerships across the defense, technology, and maritime sectors.

We're looking for someone fired up by the mission and ready to build. You'll thrive here if you move fast, take ownership, and care about the details.

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.

What you'll do

• 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

Minimum Qualifications

• 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%)

Bonus Qualifications

• 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
• Comfortable pushing at a fast but sustainable pace
• Enthusiasm for boating and the water

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

Salary: $175,000 + deal based eligibility

Highly competitive equity grants are included with full-time offers, as well as semi-annual bonuses tied to your impact, not just your tenure.

Additionally, Arc offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:

• Healthcare benefits — 99% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision
• Parental leave — 14 weeks fully paid for birthing and non-birthing parents
• Generous time off — Highly competitive PTO with an opportunity to earn more time with tenure
• Income protection — Life and disability insurance for all employees
• Retirement savings — Traditional and Roth 401(k) access
• Water fund — $500 for you to spend each year to get out on the water, however you choose
• Professional development — $500 annual reimbursement for professional development and a monthly AI stipend
• Safety support — Annual reimbursement for PPE, ergonomic equipment, and anything that ensures we keep our crew safe
• Captain training — Training and access to take Arcboats out with friends and family
• Office perks — Daily lunches, snacks, and good coffee while onsite
• Relocation assistance — Available depending on role eligibility.