Head of Launch – Middle East

About the role

Quartermaster AI is building the eyes, ears and brain of the ocean with its SmartMast™ sensor system. We are seeking a Head of Launch for the Middle East to lead our market entry into one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors, driving installations, activations and reporting of SmartMast™ units across the region.

Key responsibilities

• Build and maintain proactive relationships with national maritime authorities, port authorities and regional coordinating bodies to secure operational buy‑in.
• Anticipate regulatory shifts, trade restrictions and policy changes across port‑state and flag‑state frameworks and develop risk‑mitigation strategies.
• Partner with Legal and Compliance to align launches with local labor, customs, trade, spectrum approval, data handling and maritime safety requirements.
• Develop scalable market‑entry playbooks tailored to the region’s commercial, cultural and regulatory environments.
• Establish import, customs and logistics frameworks, including warehousing and staging of SmartMast™ hardware.
• Identify, vet and onboard local installers, fabricators and port‑side vendors to support deployment to quality and safety standards.
• Negotiate and close partnership and space‑use agreements that secure vessel capacity and long‑term maritime relationships.
• Recruit, scale and mentor a local cross‑disciplinary team spanning field operations, market support and stakeholder relations.

Required profile

• 8+ years in senior operations, market launch, business development or government relations, preferably in maritime, energy or logistics sectors.
• Deep understanding of the political, commercial and regulatory landscape across Middle East ports and maritime corridors.
• Proven track record navigating government relationships, port authorities and public‑private partnerships in the region.
• Demonstrated success closing complex B2B partnerships, joint ventures or fleet agreements.
• Fluency in English required; professional proficiency in Arabic highly preferred.