Vice President of Growth in Stafford, Virginia at Arkeus

About Arkeus

Arkeus builds AI-powered sensing systems that help autonomous platforms detect, track and understand what’s happening in complex environments. Our technology is deployed across defense and national security applications — already integrated with leading autonomous platforms and operators across the U.S. and allied markets.

Following a significant Series A backed by QIC, Main Sequence, R&VC, Salus Ventures, Folklore Ventures, DYNE Ventures and Beaten Zone Venture Partners, Arkeus is entering a major growth phase in the United States. We are a small, fast-moving company with the energy and ambition of a start-up and the technical credibility of a world-class defense technology provider.

About the role

This is a foundational executive role for someone who knows how to grow defense technology companies fast. You will lead Arkeus’ entire commercial engine — spanning Business Development, Customer Success and Commercial Operations — and play a defining role in the company’s next phase of international growth.

Arkeus already has strong traction with tactical operators and end users. The next phase is about expanding influence higher — into senior military leadership, budget owners, strategic programs and large-scale partnerships. This role is about building on what works and scaling it with discipline and speed.

Working directly with the CEO and the Executive Leadership Team, you will:

• Drive market expansion across U.S. defense, national security, ISR and adjacent markets.
• Expand strategic relationships with senior Defense and government stakeholders.
• Build a repeatable, disciplined “Arkeus way” of selling, supporting and winning programs.
• Develop partnerships with defense primes, integrators and autonomous systems ecosystem players.
• Open new growth pathways across programs, partnerships and future product lines.

Key responsibilities

You will lead and unify three core parts of the Arkeus Growth organisation:

• Business Development — lead BD teams across the U.S., Australia and Europe; build a stronger, more disciplined approach to pipeline growth and capture; coach teams to navigate complex defense sales cycles and vastly improve win rates.

• Customer Success — align Account Management, field integration, demonstrations, training and post-sales support into one high-performing customer experience; build long-term relationships that drive retention and program expansion.

• Commercial Operations — oversee proposals, contracts, pricing and capture governance; improve commercial processes and proposal quality; support negotiations, teaming agreements and strategic collaborations.

About You

You are a commercially sharp and strategically minded executive with a track record in defense, aerospace, ISR, autonomy or complex technology environments. You know how to navigate long procurement cycles, influence senior stakeholders and build trusted customer relationships in mission-critical sectors.

You combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution and are comfortable leading through ambiguity in fast-paced, high-growth businesses.

Your experience and skills

• Significant leadership experience in defense, aerospace, ISR or autonomy.
• Strong understanding of U.S. defense procurement and acquisition environments.
• Proven track record building strategic customer relationships and leading growth or commercial organisations.
• Experience managing multi-functional and international teams.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Highly regarded:

• Existing U.S. defense and government network.
• Experience with autonomous systems, AI, sensing technologies or ISR capability.
• Experience in venture-backed or scale-up technology businesses.
• Active security clearance or eligibility to obtain one.

What we offer

• Shape and lead the global Growth organisation of a cutting-edge Defense AI company at a pivotal moment.
• Work directly with a highly technical, mission-driven executive team solving real defense challenges.
• Lead a high-impact international team across the U.S. and Australia.
• Join a rapidly scaling deep-tech business backed by world-class investors.

Compensation: Competitive executive base salary, performance-based incentives tied to revenue and pipeline growth, and meaningful ESOP participation — with genuine upside as Arkeus scales.