Defense Industrial Base Lead

Mach is a defense manufacturing company that builds munitions to help the United States win future wars. Backed by $85M in funding from top venture firms, our small lean team ideates, designs, manufactures, and sells cutting-edge weapons to the Department of Defense.

Responsibilities:

• Work with other senior leaders to develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the company’s relationships with key players in the DIB, including prime contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and government stakeholders.

• Lead business development and engagement efforts with the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), driving strategic partnerships, collaborations, and opportunities within the defense and aerospace ecosystem.

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with defense contractors, procurement officials, and industry leaders to secure contracts and establish the company as a critical partner within the DIB.

• Identify and pursue opportunities for joint ventures, technology integration, and co-development initiatives to align with the needs of the DIB and enhance the company’s market positioning.

• Act as the company’s primary liaison to the DIB, representing its capabilities at industry events, defense forums, and key stakeholder meetings.

• Collaborate with internal teams, including engineering, program management, and operations, to deliver tailored solutions that meet the specific requirements of DIB partners and programs.

• Monitor and analyze trends in the defense industry, including supply chain dynamics, emerging technologies, and evolving regulatory frameworks, to inform business strategies.

• Oversee the capture and proposal process for DIB-related contracts, ensuring alignment with government regulations and compliance standards.

• Drive initiatives to enhance supply chain resilience and foster industrial collaboration, including offset programs, industrial participation agreements, and regional production strategies.

Basic Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in business development, program management, or supply chain leadership within the defense, aerospace, or industrial sectors.

• Deep understanding of the U.S. Defense Industrial Base, including its structure, key stakeholders, procurement processes, and regulatory environment.

• Proven ability to win and manage contracts with prime contractors, government entities, and other DIB participants.

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage senior leaders across the defense and industrial sectors.

• Familiarity with supply chain dynamics and manufacturing processes within the defense industry.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Established network of relationships within the Defense Industrial Base, including prime contractors, tier-1 and tier-2 suppliers, and key government stakeholders.

• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing, automation, and materials innovation, relevant to the DIB.

• Experience with supply chain risk management and resilience planning, particularly in a defense context.

• Familiarity with federal initiatives to strengthen the DIB, such as the Defense Production Act (DPA) and other government-led industrial base programs.

• Expertise in integrating emerging technologies, such as AI/ML, cybersecurity, and advanced logistics systems, into the defense supply chain.

• Strong understanding of global and domestic geopolitical dynamics impacting the defense industrial base.

This role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of the Defense Industrial Base, capable of driving strategic growth, fostering partnerships, and delivering innovative solutions that support national security and defense priorities.

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation