Head of Defense

US-Based (Southern California preferred) | Full-Time, Remote

We're looking for someone to build Jiga's defense business. You'll own the relationships, the events, the advisor network, and the path to large contracts. You'll report directly to the CEO.

---

About Jiga

Jiga is the professional manufacturing platform that helps the world's best companies make their products. Companies source the mission-critical parts that help them launch satellites, build robotics, and strengthen national security.

We're a fast-growing Series A, Y Combinator backed company transforming how hardware companies build their supply chains. We have strong and proven product market fit, growing exponentially YoY. Teams at companies like NASA, Collins, Archer and Leidos use our platform to get high-quality custom parts faster.

Market Timing

Defense supply chains are broken. Programs stall because procurement teams can't find qualified suppliers fast enough. Parts get delayed. Costs spiral. The US industrial base has capacity, but the system is inefficient and outdated.

Jiga fixes this. We don't replace the existing supply base - we make it work better. Our platform uses AI to match defense buyers directly with the right US manufacturers, resolves issues before they happen, release buyers and suppliers from admin, and builds lasting relationships that turn into repeat production wins.

We believe the future of defense manufacturing runs on speed, trust, and technology. We're building the infrastructure to make that happen.

About the Role

You'll build Jiga's defense business from the ground up. That means owning the full motion: relationships with Tier 2/3 contractors and defense tech, advisor network, events in defense hubs, and the path to large production contracts. This role is right for you if you're energized by building something big, have deep relationships in defense, and are passionate about the mission of building the US industrial base.

The timing is right. DoW procurement is undergoing its biggest reform in 60 years, favoring speed, efficiency and mid-tier suppliers. We are positioned to solve exactly the problems that the US defense sector is facing, and already have strong early traction with Aerospace and defense.

Our Culture

We're a remote-first company. We don't count hours, we measure performance. We trust our team to deliver. We hate micromanagement and unproductive meetings.

We play online games together, encourage hard questions, and fly everyone out once a year for a week-long offsite in a beautiful location (previous offsites: Spain, Greece, Albania).

What You'll Do

Build relationships that turn into contracts

• Develop and own relationships with Tier 2/3 defense contractors and defense tech startups
• Identify, qualify, and close large production opportunities
• Be the face of Jiga in defense. Hold the room with senior procurement and engineering leaders

Build the ecosystem around Jiga Defense

• Recruit and manage a network of advisors who can open doors and accelerate credibility
• Host intimate, high-signal events in defense hubs (DC, Texas, Arizona) to build community and surface opportunities
• Represent Jiga at defense conferences and in industry conversations

Shape how we show up

• Collaborate with marketing on defense positioning, messaging, and premium materials
• Build your own thought leadership presence: LinkedIn, speaking, POV pieces
• Feed insights back to product and supply chain on what defense customers need

---

You're a Fit If You

Must-Haves

• Deep defense network. You've spent 10+ years in the defense ecosystem: Tier 2 contractors, defense tech, or adjacent. You know the buyers, the influencers, and how deals get done.
• Operator DNA. You'd rather send the email, book the meeting, and close the deal than delegate it. You're allergic to "strategy decks" that never ship.
• Founder-like ownership. You don't wait for a playbook. You write it, test it, rewrite it.
• Presence and credibility. You can hold a room with senior leaders and speak at a conference without breaking a sweat.
• US citizen, US-based in a defense manufacturing hub

Traits We Look For

• You own your tasks and don't need micro-management
• You have a get-stuff-done attitude and work fast
• You're not afraid to make mistakes and get your hands dirty
• You love what you do and are genuinely excited about building

---

This Role is not For You If...

• You need a playbook handed to you
• You're optimizing for short-term quota
• You're uncomfortable with ambiguity
• You want to manage a team before you've proven the model yourself
• You prefer strategy over execution

---

Why Join Us

• Real impact - Your work directly affects whether hardware companies succeed
• Ownership - Build an entire vertical with full autonomy
• Growth - Series A company building toward massive outcomes
• Culture - Autonomy, honesty, speed, and a no-BS environment
• Competitive comp - Options-heavy structure
• Resources - Budget for events, travel, advisors, and relationship-building