General Manager Defense

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August 9

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Kodiak

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Cybersecurity • Healthcare Insurance • Public Safety

Kodiak is a leading provider of critical communications and security technology solutions. They specialize in mission-critical radios, video security systems, and unified communications that enhance operational efficiency and safety across various industries, including public safety, manufacturing, and healthcare. With a focus on innovation and reliability, Kodiak helps organizations stay connected and secure, ensuring effective communication during emergencies and routine operations alike.

10,000+ employees

Founded 2003

🔒 Cybersecurity

⚕️ Healthcare Insurance

📋 Description

• 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. • Bonus points for: • 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).

🏖️ Benefits

• 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 • Our office is centrally located in Mountain View, CA • 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.)