Orca AI is launching a new defense-focused business unit powered by our advanced AI situational awareness and autonomy-enabling technologies. We are looking for an entrepreneurial commercial leader with proven experience building new verticals and introducing innovative defense technologies to market. An opportunity to lead and build a new defense business inside a fast-scaling AI company, shaping a high-impact vertical and bringing cutting-edge technology into mission-critical defense operations.

What You’ll Do

• Build and lead the commercial strategy for Orca AI’s defense vertical from the ground up.
• Drive early adoption of new AI-driven defense technologies and define product–market fit.
• Own the full GTM lifecycle: market strategy, positioning, pipeline creation, and enterprise/government sales.
• Lead complex engagements with defense ministries, military branches, and major defense contractors.
• Develop strategic partnerships with integrators, OEMs, and primes.
• Work closely with Product and R&D, acting as the internal champion and external face of the defense business.
• Report directly to the CEO and scale the division as it grows.

What You Bring

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of building new markets or verticals.
• Experience launching or commercializing new defense technologies or advanced systems.
• Strong demonstrated experience in translating opportunities to sales at scale
• 10+ years in defense, aerospace, autonomy, AI, or deep-tech commercial roles.
• Strong understanding of defense procurement and long-cycle enterprise/government sales.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and strategic leadership skills.

Desired attributes

• Command presence, excellent stakeholder management and executive-level communication skills.
• Pragmatic, decisive and resourceful. You lead from the front and are willing to be in the field during trials.
• Strategic thinker who can also execute at tactical levels. Craft long-term plans and personally drive early wins.
• Comfortable with high growth and rapid change; a founder mentality and hunger to expand a critical vertical.