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 cus