General Manager Defense Jobs

Kodiak Robotics

Location:
United States

Category:
IT - Software Development

Contract Type:
Not provided

Salary:

Not provided

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Job Description:

We are seeking a visionary and results-driven General Manager, Defense to lead Kodiak’s fast-growing defense business. The ideal candidate will bring either deep leadership experience in ground combat programs or a proven track record scaling dual-use or advanced technology companies in Silicon Valley. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of military autonomy by building a business unit that bridges cutting-edge AI and robotics with real-world operational impact. As the senior leader of Kodiak’s defense business, you will own P&L accountability, set strategic priorities, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver on both prototyping and production programs. You will serve as a critical interface between executive leadership, engineering, business development, and DoD stakeholders, ensuring our technology aligns with the missions and acquisition pathways of U.S. government customers.

Job Responsibility:

Own and grow the defense business P&L, leading strategic planning, investment decisions, and revenue execution
Build and manage a high-performing, cross-functional team across program management, engineering, and operations to deliver on key DoD programs
Serve as the primary senior interface to military customers, including Army, USMC, and OUSD leadership, as well as the broader national security and defense industry
Define and communicate the defense product vision and roadmap in alignment with both commercial R&D and DoD customer needs
Shape government engagement strategy and represent Kodiak at the highest levels across the Pentagon, acquisition offices, and policy organizations
Translate military operational requirements into technical needs and engineering priorities, ensuring high-fidelity execution
Lead internal reviews, performance tracking, and reporting for all active defense programs—from prototyping through production
Evaluate and establish key partnerships across primes, integrators, and mission stakeholders to position Kodiak for long-term growth
Represent Kodiak’s defense vision publicly, including at conferences, strategic forums, and in front of senior stakeholders
Serve as a member of the company’s leadership team, influencing company-level priorities and resource allocations

Requirements:

15+ years of leadership experience in defense or dual-use technology programs, including program execution and customer engagement
Background as a senior leader in the DoD or executive experience scaling tech organizations with exposure to defense markets
Demonstrated success with full P&L ownership, strategic planning, and business development in a complex environment
Familiarity with military ground vehicle programs and autonomous systems, with an ability to bridge tactical military needs with commercial autonomy development
Strong understanding of DoD acquisition, funding cycles, and organizational structures—including experience engaging with OSD, PEOs, or DARPA
Experience successfully defining and deploying technology into hands of US military
Proven leadership managing multidisciplinary teams and interfacing with external partners
Excellent communication, executive presence, and a bias toward action
Advanced degree in a technical, business, or national security-related field

Nice to have:

Technical fluency in robotics, autonomy, or AI-related technologies sufficient to guide engineering priorities and assess tradeoffs
Prior experience as a PM at PEO GCS, GVSC, or Army Futures Command
Experience working at or with autonomy startups, defense primes, venture capital, or U.S. National Labs
Familiarity with export controls, ITAR, or classified program execution
Security Clearance (active or eligible)

What we offer:

Competitive compensation package including equity and biannual bonuses
Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente, Anthem, and Guardian (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)
Flexible PTO and generous parental leave policies
Office perks: dog-friendly, free catered lunch, a fully stocked kitchen, and free EV charging
Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life Insurance
Wellbeing Benefits - Headspace, One Medical, Gympass, Spring Health
Fidelity 401(k)
Commuter, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, HSA
Various incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)

Additional Information:

Job Posted:
December 09, 2025

Employment Type:

Fulltime

Work Type:

Remote work

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General Manager Defense