Careers at Makai

About the Role:

The Embedded Entrepreneur will work directly with Makai leadership and engineering teams to discover customer needs, shape product direction, and build partnerships necessary to bring S3 into operational use. This role operates with significant autonomy and is ideal for someone who wants to take a breakthrough research capability and turn it into a real product used by customers in the field.

This position supports a DARPA Commercial Strategy Opportunity (CSO) program and is expected to last nine months, with strong potential for continued involvement supporting S3 and other Makai technologies.

What You Will Do:

• Conduct structured customer discovery interviews with government stakeholders, defense primes, ocean robotics companies, and commercial subsea operators
• Identify operational use cases and transition pathways for S3
• Build relationships with early adopters and pilot partners
• Translate customer feedback into product requirements and use cases
• Work with engineering teams to shape product roadmap and development priorities
• Develop go‑to‑market strategies for defense and commercial markets
• Support pricing, licensing, and partnership models
• Develop messaging, presentations, and outreach materials
• Represent Makai and the S3 platform at conferences, workshops, and industry events

What Success Looks Like:

• Validate key operational use cases for S3
• Identify early adopter organizations
• Establish pilot projects or demonstration opportunities
• Define product positioning and commercialization strategy

Who You’ll Work With:

You will collaborate closely with Makai’s senior leadership, engineering teams, and commercialization advisors supporting the DARPA CSO program. The role also involves engagement with Navy programs, defense primes, ocean technology companies, and early commercial adopters.

Ideal Candidate:

We are looking for an entrepreneurial operator who enjoys engaging with users and translating advanced technology into practical capability

Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of experience in ocean technology, marine systems, subsea robotics, defense technology, or a related field
• Experience in product management, customer discovery, commercialization, or business development
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to operate independently
• Strong writing, presentation, and communication skills
• Ability to understand technical concepts and translate them for diverse audiences
• S. citizenship and willingness to obtain a Secret clearance required.

Preferred Experience

• Software platforms, simulation, or digital twin systems
• Robotics or autonomy systems
• Creating marketing, proposal, or technical communications content
• Presenting at technical conferences or workshops
• Technical background or experience working closely with engineers

About Makai:

Makai is a small business and diversified ocean engineering firm with over 50 years of experience delivering advanced engineering products and services to U.S. government and commercial clients worldwide, including a strong track record of transitioning government-funded R&D into operational technologies and commercial products. Watch a video of Makai’s Oahu offices here: https://youtu.be/-pj_LkZEK-4

To apply for this position, please email the following, with “Embedded Entrepreneur” in the subject line, to hiring@makai.com:

1. Resume highlighting relevant experience in technology commercialization, customer engagement, and/or subsea or defense-related fields
2. Brief cover letter describing your background, interest in the Embedded Entrepreneur role, and experience transitioning or commercializing technical products.
3. Include a brief response (1–2 paragraphs) to the following question: Identify one potential operational use case for S3 and describe how you would validate that opportunity with potential customers.

Makai participates in the Department of Homeland Security “E-Verify” Employment Eligibility Verification system for all new employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.