General Manager - Aerospace & Defense

About the role

Build and execute the strategy for P-1 AI's expansion into aerospace & defense, including customer acquisition, partnerships, market positioning, and long-term growth.

Own the P&L for the aerospace & defense business, including revenue targets, growth initiatives, budgeting, and operational performance.

Identify, negotiate, and manage strategic partnerships that accelerate customer acquisition, program execution, and data access.

Work closely with customers and forward deployed engineers to translate real-world engineering problems into product requirements and new capabilities for Archie.

Stand up the people, processes, and systems required to operate in regulated defense environments, including ITAR, NISPOM, and other industrial security requirements.

Build the foundations of P-1 Defense, including team structure, customer workflows, and operating rhythms as the business scales.

Responsibilities

• Build and execute the strategy for P-1 AI's expansion into aerospace & defense, including customer acquisition, partnerships, market positioning, and long-term growth.
• Own the P&L for the aerospace & defense business, including revenue targets, growth initiatives, budgeting, and operational performance.
• Negotiate and manage strategic partnerships that accelerate customer acquisition, program execution, and data access.
• Work closely with customers and forward deployed engineers to translate real-world engineering problems into product requirements and new capabilities for Archie.
• Stand up the people, processes, and systems required to operate in regulated defense environments, including ITAR, NISPOM, and other industrial security requirements.
• Build the foundations of P-1 Defense, including team structure, customer workflows, and operating rhythms as the business scales.

Requirements

You've owned P&L for a business unit, startup, or major program.

You've taken products, programs, or books of business from 0→1 (and ideally 0→10) and know how to create momentum where none previously existed.

You've negotiated and closed complex deals involving multiple stakeholders and long sales cycles.

You can credibly engage with engineers, operators, executives, and government customers without changing who you are in the room.

You've built and maintained senior relationships across defense primes, government organizations, or strategic industry partners.

You’re fluent in modern AI and have relationships across the AI ecosystem.

You move with exceptional urgency, autonomy, and a strong bias toward action.

You're eligible for a US government security clearance. An existing clearance is a plus.

Qualifications

You have a relevant degree or equivalent experience in engineering, computer science, or a related field.

You have a proven track record of driving growth and profitability in a complex industry.

You have experience working with government agencies and contractors in the aerospace & defense sector.

You have a strong understanding of the latest trends and technologies in AI and machine learning.

You have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.

Skills

Strong business acumen and financial management skills.

Exceptional negotiation and deal-making abilities.

Experience in building and scaling businesses in regulated industries.

Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive organizational change.

Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Meaningful equity ownership

Healthcare, dental, vision, 401(k) match

Unlimited PTO

Pay

Details TBD

Schedule

Role can be remote (US only). Preference for DMV or SF Bay Area. Relocation support available.