Head of Launch (Asia)

About Us Quartermaster AI leverages cutting-edge AI and robotics to enhance maritime domain awareness. Our mission is to become the eyes, ears, and brain of the ocean—enabling every vessel to collaboratively sense, compute, and communicate. The Role Quartermaster AI is seeking a highly autonomous and resourceful Launcher - (Asia) to spearhead our market entry and infrastructure setup across the region. You will be the vanguard of our global expansion, responsible for "preparing the environment" so that our Field Operations teams can arrive and immediately begin deploying the SmartMast network at scale. This role requires a unique blend of business development, logistics, and operational grit. You will navigate regional import regulations, establish localized supply chains for mount fabrication, and forge foundational relationships with regional maritime fleets. As the critical first step in our deployment lifecycle, you will build the operational runway that ensures Quartermaster can scale rapidly, compliantly, and seamlessly in new international waters. Key Responsibilities 1. Market Entry & Infrastructure Setup Regulatory Advocacy & Buy-In: Proactively engage with local maritime authorities, port governing bodies, and relevant regional regulators to champion Quartermaster’s mission. You will secure the necessary operational buy-in, permits, and goodwill to ensure our network deployment is both welcomed and fully compliant. Vendor Ecosystem Development: Identify, vet, and onboard a robust network of local marine installers, specialized mount fabricators, and port-side vendors. You must ensure we have a highly capable, localized supply chain ready to support Field Operations. Contracting & Compliance: Negotiate service level agreements (SLAs) and rates with regional contractors, ensuring our localized infrastructure meets Quartermaster’s standards for quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. 2. Supply Chain & Import Logistics Import Navigation: Pioneer the importation framework for SmartMast hardware into target countries within Asia. You will unravel local customs, tariffs, and regulatory requirements to build a smooth, repeatable supply chain pipeline. Asset Staging: Secure and establish initial warehousing and staging logistics. You are responsible for ensuring hardware and fabrication materials are securely received, stored, and staged ahead of the deployment curve. 3. Fleet Recruitment & Relationship Building Vessel Acquisition: Identify and actively engage local fleets of interest. You will pitch the Quartermaster vision to secure initial vessel commitments and lock in the necessary real estate for SmartMast installations. Stakeholder Management: Build and nurture critical early relationships with regional port authorities, vessel owners, and maritime organizations to build brand trust and remove bureaucratic friction prior to deployment. 4. Operational Handoff & Intelligence Field Ops Readiness: Serve as the critical bridge between initial market launch and active deployment. You will own the responsibility of ensuring all logistics, vendor networks, and vessel permissions are fully operational so Field Operations can hit the ground running upon arrival. Market Intelligence: Act as the primary feedback loop to the Head of Delivery and Quartermaster leadership regarding local market dynamics, unique technical requirements, and localized risks specific to the Asian maritime environment.