General Manager Defense

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.

In this role you will:

• 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.

What you'll bring:

• 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).

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
• 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.)