Account Manager - Industry Relations

ABOUT KRAKEN KINETICS

Kraken Kinetics designs and manufactures advanced kinetic solutions that enable modern warfighting capabilities for the United States Armed Forces and its allies. We specialize in mission-tailored warheads and firing systems for unmanned and autonomous weapon platforms, delivering production-ready solutions at speed to address urgent national security challenges.

Our team brings decades of specialized Department of War experience across the full lifecycle of kinetic system development—from concept and design through testing, manufacturing, and operational deployment. Built on a foundation of work that helped lead the DoW into the era of kinetic drones, Kraken Kinetics combines commercial agility with deep technical expertise to deliver DEFINITIVE LETHALITY™ when it matters most.

POSITION SUMMARY

Title: Account Manager –Industry Relations
Location: On-site at our Pinehurst, NC area facility

Kraken Kinetics is seeking a highly driven, commercially minded Account Manager to expand and manage our private sector and industry partnerships. This role is designed for someone who approaches account management as a growth function by owning relationships, identifying strategic opportunities, and driving measurable business outcomes.

Reporting to the Head of Strategic Partnerships, you will operate at the intersection of customer, product, and market strategy. You will work directly with OEMs, integrators, and strategic partners to grow revenue, shape partnerships, and ensure successful execution across commercial engagements in the UxS space.

This role is well-suited for an ambitious candidate with strong business instincts who wants to take ownership of accounts, think strategically about market positioning, and contribute directly to company growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own and grow a portfolio of industry accounts, with responsibility for relationship health, opportunity development, and long-term value creation

• Identify, evaluate, and advance new business opportunities within existing accounts and adjacent markets

• Support development of commercial proposals, partnership agreements, and deal structures

• Coordinate cross-functional execution across product, engineering, and leadership teams to deliver on partner commitments

• Drive account planning, including stakeholder mapping, revenue potential, and strategic positioning

• Monitor program and deal performance, track risks, and ensure consistent follow-through

• Represent Kraken Kinetics in external engagements, including partner meetings, industry events, and conferences

• Synthesize market and partner insights to inform product strategy and commercial priorities

• Maintain disciplined tracking of pipeline, account activity, and partnership performance

• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and applicable export control regulations (e.g., ITAR/EAR)

• Willingness to travel as needed for partner engagement and events

EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or equivalent experience preferred

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or equivalent experience preferred

• Experience in a B2B environment (investment banking, private equity, business development, or account management)

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to assess opportunities and prioritize effectively

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and execute independently

• Comfort working with both technical and business teams

• Demonstrated initiative and ownership in prior roles

• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in autonomy, robotics, aerospace, defense, or adjacent advanced technology sectors

• Proven ability to evaluate market dynamics, competitive positioning, and capital allocation decisions using rigorous analytical frameworks and data-driven reasoning

• Working knowledge of export control regulations (ITAR/EAR)

• Background in high-growth startups or dynamic environments

• Exposure to supply chain, manufacturing, or systems integration challenges

SALARY & BENEFITS

Kraken Kinetics is committed to offering a competitive compensation package to attract and retain top talent. This full-time, on-site exempt position offers an annual salary range of $120,000- $150,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits included:

• Generous PTO policy

• Comprehensive medical coverage (80% company-paid for employee + dependents).

• Vision & dental (100% company-paid)

• Short and long-term disability coverage (100% company-paid)

• Generous 401(k) retirement plan

• Company-paid life insurance

• Great teammates and well stocked snacks

LIFE IN MOORE COUNTY, NC (PINEHURST AREA)

Kraken Kinetics is based in Moore County, North Carolina, home to Pinehurst, a nationally recognized destination offering an exceptional quality of life.

Employees benefit from a low cost of living, minimal congestion, and a strong sense of community, with easy access to larger metropolitan areas, including Raleigh-Durham.

Whether you're looking to accelerate your career or put down long-term roots, the Pinehurst area offers a compelling alternative to traditional tech and defense hubs.

We are committed to supporting relocation for the right candidates.

Watch what it’s like to live here:
[ Video Link]

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Kraken Kinetics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applicants of all backgrounds.