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General Manager Defense

Remote United States

Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 and has become a leader in autonomous ground transportation committed to a safer and more efficient future for all. The company has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology stack purpose-built for commercial trucking and the public sector. The company delivers freight daily for its customers across the southern United States using its autonomous technology. In 2024, Kodiak became the first known company to publicly announce delivering a driverless semi-truck to a customer. Kodiak is also leveraging its commercial self-driving software to develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Department of 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.)
Actual salary ranges will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location. Please note that the compensation details listed above are base salary only and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits.
 
At Kodiak, we strive to build a diverse community working towards our common company goals in a safe and collaborative environment where harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited. Kodiak is committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
 
In alignment with its business operations, Kodiak adheres to all relevant statutes, regulations, and administrative prerequisites. Accordingly, roles that carry more sensitive requirements may be limited to candidates that can satisfy additional scrutiny and eligibility for such positions may hinge on verification of a candidate’s residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status. Should the position require, and Kodiak determines that a candidate’s residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status necessitate an export license, bar the candidate from the position, or otherwise fall under national security-related restrictions, Kodiak will consider the candidate for alternative positions unaffected by such restrictions, under terms and conditions set forth at Kodiak’s sole discretion, or, as an alternative, opt not to proceed with the candidate’s application. If applicable, Kodiak may provide visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.

 

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