Advanced Navigation is the world’s most determined innovator in AI robotics and navigation technologies across land, air, sea and space applications. Founded on a culture of research and discovery, Advanced Navigation's mission is to be the catalyst of the autonomy revolution. Fields of expertise include artificial intelligence, underwater sonar, GNSS, radio frequency systems, inertial sensors, robotics, quantum sensors and photonics.

Today, Advanced Navigation is a supplier to some of the world's largest companies, including Airbus, Boeing, Google, Tesla, NASA, Apple, and General Motors. Discover it for yourself: https://youtu.be/F7uAqs1gtuk

OVERVIEW OF ROLE

The VP of US Operations will serve as the strategic architect and operational lead for our American presence. This role is not merely about facility management; it is about navigating the intricate "Department of Defense" ecosystem, securing high-level certifications, and establishing the company as a trusted, compliant, and Tier-1 partner for the US Government and Prime Contractors. The successful candidate will bring over two decades of experience in the US Defense sector, acting as the authoritative voice for Advanced Navigation in front of Congressional leadership and DoD stakeholders.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic facility & program certification

• Lead the charge in securing all US Government approvals for the new facility, ensuring every process - from IT to physical security - meets stringent DoD standards.
• Oversee the lifecycle support of solutions to ensure they meet the specific needs of US Defense and commercial programs.

2. Strategic operational management

• Manage the cross-functional Founding Team, including Production Engineering, Finance, and Supply Chain, to bridge the gap between Australian innovation and US Defense requirements.
• Support the Implementation of a robust Special Security Agreement (SSA) framework to ensure foreign-ownership compliance.

3. Business development & stakeholder relations

• Act as a liaison between Advanced Navigation and US Prime Contractors, positioning the company for successful integration into major defense programs.
• Support the negotiations of high-stakes contracts that protect the company’s interests while meeting the rigorous demands of US Government procurement.

4. Lifecycle & supply chain oversight

• Ensure the US supply chain and production capabilities are resilient and capable of supporting full lifecycle programs, from initial solution development to long-term sustainment

KEY MEASURABLES

• Secure all necessary US Gov facility and process approvals

• Support the finalization of strategic partnership agreements with US Prime Contractors
• Achieve full P&L transparency and SSA compliance in conjunction with the AN America team within the first 12 months.
• Successfully transition the Production Engineering team from AU training to US operations

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Industry Tenure: 20+ years of experience dealing directly with the US Department of Defense (DoD) and other US Government organizations regarding complex solutions, procedures, and facility requirements.
• Certification expertise: proven track record in securing US Government certification and approval for Defense contractor facilities, encompassing all required security processes and operational procedures.
• Multidisciplinary leadership: extensive experience leading personnel across the full product lifecycle, including production, solution development, facility management, facility security (FSO), IT/Cybersecurity, and supply chain.
• Executive advocacy: demonstrated experience communicating with and influencing Senior US Defense and Congressional leadership and key industry stakeholders.
• Contract negotiation: expert-level experience negotiating complex contracts with both US Government personnel and US Prime Contractors for large-scale programs.
• Financial stewardship: direct P&L experience for US Government programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility and program profitability.
• Security & compliance: candidate must be a US Citizen and meet all requirements to secure a Secret level clearance