Sr. Director, Engineering (Shared Services)
•Backblaze· 16h
💻 Engineering⏰ Full-time👔 Executive💰 $215k-325k🇺🇸 USA
16h ago
Havocai·about 18 hours ago
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.
As Vice President of Navy, you will own HavocAI’s Navy business end-to-end—driving strategy, capture, execution, and growth across our portfolio of Navy and maritime defense programs. This is a senior leadership role responsible for building and scaling HavocAI’s Navy footprint, shaping long-term customer partnerships, and ensuring exceptional delivery across complex, multi-disciplinary programs spanning autonomy, hardware, software, and mission operations.
You will serve as the executive interface to Navy customers and partners while leading internal cross-functional execution across Engineering, Product, Test, Operations, and Production. This role is accountable for business outcomes: customer success, program performance, contract growth, and long-term strategic positioning.
Own HavocAI’s Navy strategy, including long-term roadmap alignment, customer targeting, and mission-driven positioning across maritime autonomy.
Define and execute the multi-year plan to expand HavocAI’s Navy portfolio across R&D, prototyping, production, and sustainment.
Establish HavocAI as a trusted Navy partner across key commands, PEOs, warfare centers, and operational units.
Lead Navy capture strategy across new and existing opportunities, including pipeline development, win strategy, and competitive positioning.
Drive proposal development and executive-level engagement for RFIs, RFPs, OTAs, and follow-on production pathways.
Partner with BD, Contracts, and Finance to shape pricing, resourcing, and contracting approaches that support scalable growth.
Maintain executive accountability for delivery of Navy programs—ensuring performance against scope, schedule, budget, and technical objectives.
Oversee program operating rhythm, program reviews, and executive reporting across multiple concurrent efforts.
Ensure high-quality deployments, mission outcomes, and sustainment performance.
Serve as the senior HavocAI interface with Navy customers, primes, and mission partners.
Lead strategic customer engagements, executive briefings, and program reviews.
Maintain strong customer trust through transparency, performance, and consistent delivery.
Lead and scale a high-performing Navy-focused team, including program management, mission operations, and customer-facing execution roles.
Drive alignment across Engineering, Product, Test, Ops, and Production to ensure delivery excellence and roadmap relevance.
Establish repeatable processes and operating systems to scale Navy execution without losing speed.
Own portfolio-level performance, including program financials, forecasting, and risk management.
Implement execution discipline using metrics such as Earned Value Management (EVM), delivery KPIs, and operational readiness measures.
Drive early risk identification and mitigation across technical, schedule, and cost domains.
Partner with Product and Engineering leadership to shape HavocAI’s product roadmap based on Navy mission needs.
Ensure customer insights, CONOPS, and operational constraints are translated into durable product direction.
Drive prioritization decisions across near-term delivery and long-term platform evolution.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field (advanced degree a plus).
12+ years of experience in Navy, defense, aerospace, or maritime program leadership.
Demonstrated success leading and scaling government program portfolios from early-stage prototypes through production and sustainment.
Strong understanding of defense acquisition pathways (FAR/DFARS, OTAs, SBIR/STTR, rapid prototyping, production transition).
Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary teams delivering autonomy-enabled systems (software + hardware + mission operations).
Strong working knowledge of program execution frameworks, including EVM, financial reporting, and portfolio-level performance management.
Exceptional executive communication and stakeholder leadership skills.
U.S. Citizen with eligibility to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.
Active DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance.
Prior Navy service or deep operational familiarity with maritime autonomy, surface warfare, or unmanned systems.
Experience working with key Navy organizations (PEO USC, NAVSEA, ONR, warfare centers, fleet units, etc.).
Experience in venture-backed defense tech environments or high-growth organizations.
Advanced degree (MBA, Engineering, Systems Management).
PMP / DAWIA Program Management certification.
HavocAI becomes a trusted, scaled partner across Navy maritime autonomy programs.
Programs consistently deliver on time, on budget, and with strong mission outcomes.
The Navy portfolio grows year-over-year through follow-ons, renewals, and production transitions.
Internal execution scales cleanly with disciplined processes and strong cross-functional alignment.
Customer insights directly shape HavocAI’s roadmap and strengthen competitive advantage.
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
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.