# Defense Partnerships Manager

**Company**: Arc
**Location**: Torrance, CA
**Work arrangement**: onsite
**Experience**: senior
**Job type**: full-time
**Salary**: $175,000 + deal-based eligibility
**Category**: Engineering
**Industry**: Technology

**Apply**: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/arcboatcompany/jobs/5194798008
**Canonical**: https://yubhub.co/jobs/job_24f056f1-d86

## Description

## What we're building

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.

## 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.

## 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

## Basic 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

- Enthusiasm for boating and clean energy

## 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

## 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

## Skills

### Required
- Partnership development
- Strategic planning
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Collaboration
- Leadership
- Business strategy
- Market research
- Advisory networks
- Competitive landscape
- Defense procurement pathways
- Security clearance
- Travel
- Maritime industry
- Government agencies
- Robotics
- Autonomy
- Clean energy