Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – Aerospace & Defense (UAV / VTOL Systems)

The Opportunity

This isn’t a “keep the lights on” CTO role.

This is a build, scale, and lead-from-the-front opportunity inside a fast-moving aerospace and defense company redefining what UAV systems can do.

You’ll take ownership of a next-generation VTOL drone platform powered by alternative energy, and lead the technical vision from advanced R&D through real-world deployment. The company is at an inflection point—strong foundation, proven technology direction, and now needs the right technical leader to scale it into a serious player in defense and dual-use markets.

If you’ve ever wanted to step into a role where your decisions directly shape the product, the team, and the trajectory of the company—this is that role.

What You’ll Own

• Technology Vision & Strategy
  • Define and drive a scalable, multi-product technology roadmap—not just a single platform.
• Build & Lead Engineering
  • Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performance engineering organization across autonomy, avionics, energy systems, and hardware.
• End-to-End Product Delivery
  • Own the full lifecycle—from concept and prototyping through testing, manufacturing, and field deployment.
• Next-Gen Capability Development
  • Advance core technologies including hydrogen/alternative energy systems, thermal management, autonomy, and modular architectures.
• Defense Readiness
  • Ensure platforms are built for real-world DoD use—reliability, scalability, and mission performance.
• Execution at Scale
  • Drive speed without breaking things that matter—balancing startup agility with disciplined engineering.
• Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Partner closely with executive leadership to align technology with mission, growth, and customer demand.

What Makes This Role Different

• Real Ownership – You’re not inheriting a bloated org—you’re building it.
• Mission Impact – Direct application across defense, national security, and critical infrastructure.
• Technical Breadth – Energy systems + autonomy + aerospace… not many roles check all three boxes.
• Global Integration – Work with an established international team while leading U.S. growth.

Who This Is For

This role is for a builder, not a caretaker.

• You’ve taken complex aerospace or drone systems from concept to deployment
• You’ve operated at the VP Engineering / CTO level in a defense or dual-use environment
• You understand how to scale engineering teams and real products—not just prototypes
• You can navigate DoD programs, stakeholders, and procurement realities without slowing down execution
• You’re comfortable living in both worlds: deep technical detail and executive-level decision making

Experience That Matters

• Proven leadership in UAV, aerospace, or advanced defense systems
  • Track record delivering integrated hardware + software systems
  • Experience with DoD customers, programs, and acquisition pathways
  • Strong grasp of system architecture, avionics, autonomy, and energy systems
• Ability to build teams, culture, and execution discipline from the ground up

Education

• BS required; advanced degrees (MS/PhD) preferred

Compensation

Executive-level package with flexibility based on experience and impact:

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based bonus
• Equity participation
• Long-term upside tied to company growth