Director of Port and Infrastructure Security
About Us:
Collaborative autonomy is how self-tasking teams of machines will solve hard human problems, and HavocAI is an unquestioned leader in collaborative autonomy. We set the standard for autonomous surface vessels for a wide range of defense and commercial maritime missions. Success requires us to grow quickly, and we’re looking for teammates who are passionate about solving hard problems, about pushing the envelope, and about preventing conflict and saving lives. Ambition is welcome to apply within.
About the Role
HavocAI is seeking a Director of Port and Infrastructure Security to build and scale our presence across U.S. ports, and terminal operators working with both commercial and government markets. This is a strategic, customer-facing role responsible for building pipeline, shaping capture strategy, closing revenue, and ensuring successful deployments across a diverse set of maritime stakeholders.
You will serve as HavocAI’s domain expert in port security operations—bridging commercial port authorities, terminal operators, Coast Guard, Navy, DHS, CBP and other maritime security entities. This role requires someone who understands both how ports operate, how government agencies procure, fund, and deploy maritime security solutions and the role of private entities and contractors in port security. You will own opportunities from early engagement through pilot design, scaled deployment, and long-term account expansion.
You will partner closely with Marketing, Sales, Strategy, Product, Engineering, and Mission Operations to ensure HavocAI delivers operationally effective and scalable autonomy solutions tailored to port environments.
Key Responsibilities
Port Security Vertical Strategy (Commercial + Government)
Define and execute HavocAI’s port security GTM strategy across both commercial and government customers.
Identify priority accounts across:
Commercial port authorities and terminal operators
Federal maritime security stakeholders (e.g., Coast Guard, DHS, Navy, local maritime law enforcement)
Develop repeatable playbooks for pilots, deployments, and expansion across varied procurement pathways.
Develop and maintain competitive intelligence on port security technologies, vendors, procurement trends, and emerging operational requirements.
Revenue Growth & Capture
Build and manage a robust pipeline within the port security domain.
Carry direct responsibility for pipeline development, opportunity advancement, and revenue growth within the port security vertical.
Lead commercial sales engagements and support government capture efforts (RFIs, RFPs, OTAs, grants).
Partner with marketing to produce specific materials on port security.
Drive pilots into scaled deployments and long-term contracts.
Identify and mitigate barriers to adoption, including regulatory constraints, operational risk concerns, integration challenges, and fragmented funding pathways.
Customer Engagement & Operational Expertise
Serve as the primary subject matter expert in port security use cases, including:
Waterside perimeter monitoring
Persistent ISR for critical infrastructure
Restricted zone enforcement
Unauthorized vessel detection and tracking
Response support during incidents or heightened threat conditions
Ensure proposed solutions align with real-world port operational constraints, including vessel traffic patterns, safety requirements, environmental conditions, unionized labor environments, and legacy security infrastructure.
Engage directly with port directors, harbor masters, security chiefs, and government maritime leaders.
Translate operational pain points into executable autonomy solutions and deployment models.
Cross-Functional Alignment
Partner with Strategy and GTM teams to ensure use cases are leveraged cross-functionally
Work with the marketing team to define capabilities being put forth and how to best capture compelling case studies
Partner with Product and Engineering to align roadmap priorities with port security requirements. Translate customer operational needs into product requirements, solution packaging, and deployment models.
Collaborate with Mission Operations to design scalable, repeatable deployment frameworks.
Ensure that both commercial and government-specific requirements (compliance, reporting, security posture) are accounted for in solution delivery.
Collaborate closely with the Government relations (GR) team to ensure alignment of regional efforts.
Market Leadership & External Representation
Represent HavocAI at port security, maritime defense, and critical infrastructure conferences (e.g., AAPA, ASIS, maritime security forums).
Build thought leadership around autonomy-enabled port security and maritime resilience.
Partner with Marketing on vertical-specific messaging and case studies.
Qualifications
8+ years of experience in maritime security, port operations, maritime defense, or critical infrastructure security.
Demonstrated experience working across both commercial ports and/or government maritime security stakeholders.
Strong understanding of port operational workflows, regulatory frameworks, and security challenges.
Experience in business development, capture, or sales roles supporting complex technical solutions. Demonstrated success building pipeline and advancing opportunities.
Ability to navigate both commercial procurement processes and government acquisition pathways.
Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
Comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
U.S. Citizen; eligibility to obtain a DoD Secret clearance preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
Existing relationships within port authorities, Coast Guard, DHS, CBP, Navy, or maritime infrastructure organizations.
Experience introducing, selling or deploying autonomy, ISR, maritime surveillance, or security technology.
Familiarity with:
Federal and grand-funding procurement environments, including the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)
Federal acquisition and contracting mechanisms (FAR/DFARS, IDIQ, OTAs, BAAs, and CSOs)
Public-private port security collaboration models
Military, Coast Guard, or maritime law enforcement background.
Experience in defense tech or high-growth technology startups.
Working familiarity with MTSA-regulated environments and port/facility security constructs.
What Success Looks Like
HavocAI establishes a leadership position in both commercial and government port security markets.
Strategic port accounts convert from pilot to scaled deployments.
Revenue grows across commercial contracts and government awards.
A durable, repeatable sales and deployment motion is established within the port security vertical.
Port-specific requirements shape durable product roadmap advantages.
HavocAI becomes a trusted autonomy partner across the near-shore maritime security ecosystem.
Benefits:
100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families
Life Insurance (Employer Paid)
Ability to participate in the companies 401k program (Matching)
Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum
Equity Package
Work / Home Office Stipend
Global Entry
16 Week Paid Parental Leave
Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend
Our Values:
Innovation: We are driven to break new ground. Every day presents an opportunity to challenge the status quo, think boldly, and deliver advanced solutions that transform the future of defense technology.
Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and trust in all our actions and partnerships.
Mission-Driven: We are focused on achieving impactful outcomes that align with our core mission—protecting lives through innovation.
Forward-Leaning: We continuously seek out new opportunities and remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We embrace change and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and creativity.
Ownership of All Tasks: At HavocAI, no problem is too complex or too trivial. We believe that greatness comes from tackling the hardest challenges, but also in handling the smallest, sometimes thankless, tasks with the same level of commitment and care.
Servant Leadership: We lead by serving others, whether it’s supporting our employees, partners, or the broader community. Empowering those around us is key to achieving long-term success and making a lasting impact.
HavocAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.