Director, Defense Mission Integration

At REGENT, we’re on a mission to revolutionize regional transportation between coastal cities. We're not just building vehicles, we're creating a new category of transportation: the Seaglider. These groundbreaking wing-in-ground-effect craft travel just above the water’s surface, combining the speed of an airplane with the low operating costs of a boat. Capable of 180 miles at 180 mph on today's battery tech (and up to 400 miles with next-gen batteries), Seagliders will unlock fast, affordable, and sustainable coastal transit for passengers and cargo - connecting cities, islands, and communities like never before.

Backed by leading investors and powered by a team of passionate, forward-thinking engineers, builders, and operators, we’re now scaling from a breakthrough prototype to full production - and building the team to make it happen.

Role Overview

The Director, Defense Mission Integration is the bridge between REGENT's technical subject-matter experts and our government partners, turning Seaglider capability into operations a service member can plan, train for and execute. You will take mission needs from the Navy, Marine Corps, Joint Force and allied partners and shape them into concepts of operation, vignettes, test events and deliverables that engineering, test and maritime operations teams can build to. In the other direction, you will brief the government on what the vehicles can and cannot do today, so expectations stay honest and credibility builds with every event.

REGENT Defense is the business unit within REGENT focused on the defense market: business development, proposal, capture and execution, international engagement, and capability development. You will sit at the center of that work, reporting to the VP, Defense, managing a Mission Assurance Manager, and working daily with Engineering, Performance, Test, Maritime Ops, Manufacturing and Contracts.

What You'll Do

• Lead Mission Integration: You'll lead the Defense & Government Relations team's mission integration efforts from day one, setting direction, priorities, and pace as the function grows.

• Drive Capture Strategy: You'll own the capture process for defense and government opportunities, shaping how REGENT pursues and wins mission-critical programs.

• Translate Mission Needs: You'll work directly with military and government stakeholders to understand real-world mission requirements and translate them into clear priorities for our engineering and program teams.

• Represent REGENT: You'll serve as a trusted voice for REGENT in front of defense and government partners, building the relationships that open doors for Seaglider missions.

• Build the Team: You'll help grow and shape the Defense & Government Relations function, bringing structure and leadership to a team that's scaling in real time.

• Partner Cross-Functionally: You'll collaborate closely with engineering, program management, and operations to make sure mission requirements translate into real capability.

• Manage Program Execution: You'll oversee the execution of defense mission integration programs, keeping commitments on track from early concept through delivery.

What You'll Bring

• Proven Leadership: You've led teams before, ideally within defense, government, or another mission-driven and highly regulated environment, and you know how to set direction from day one.

• Defense & Government Fluency: You understand how military and government stakeholders operate, and you're comfortable navigating their priorities, processes, and pace.

• Comfort With Ambiguity: You're energized by building a function while simultaneously delivering results, rather than waiting for everything to be in place before you move.

• Strategic And Practical: You can think several steps ahead about mission strategy while staying hands-on with the details that make execution real.

• Strong Communicator: You can build trust quickly with government and military stakeholders, translating complex mission needs into clear direction for internal teams.

• Fast Learner: You're ready to pick up new skills like capture and program management quickly, building on the leadership instincts you already bring.

Who We're Looking For

• A Natural Leader: Someone who steps into a room and leads, even when the team and processes around them are still forming.

• Mission-Focused: Someone who's genuinely excited about the intersection of advanced maritime transportation and defense and government missions.

• Steady Under Growth: Someone who brings calm, confident leadership to a fast-moving, high-growth environment, without needing everything settled first.

• Builder At Heart: Someone who thrives on building something new, comfortable running hard while also laying foundations.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation including a robust equity incentive plan.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance - we cover 100% of your premiums.

• 401(k) with company matching, so you can plan for the future.

• Generous flexible time off, paid parental leave, and company-wide holiday breaks.

• Relocation packages available for those moving to join our team.

• Daily, free catered lunches

• Learning & professional development opportunities

If you’re ready to take on an exciting challenge, grow with us, and make a lasting impact, we want to hear from you. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, but you see yourself contributing to our mission, we encourage you to apply! We value diverse skillsets and experiences and believe in the potential of passionate individuals to make a big impact.

Equal Opportunity Employer

REGENT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.