Chief Executive Officer - Space Technology & Defense Sector #0209

Our client, a well-capitalized international space technology enterprise, is launching its United States headquarters and requires a Chief Executive Officer to spearhead this inaugural initiative. The parent company has built sophisticated space situational awareness capabilities, delivering services to satellite operators, launch service providers, and government entities through proprietary tracking and analytical technologies.

With significant traction among U.S. defense and government decision-makers and backed by considerable growth funding, this American expansion marks a core strategic objective. The initiative positions the organization for accelerated commercial expansion throughout the U.S. aerospace and defense marketplace.

This represents a genuine founding executive position. The successful candidate will receive substantial equity ownership in the U.S. operation and maintain complete operational authority, essentially functioning as a co-founder. Responsibilities encompass establishing the American enterprise from inception, accelerating revenue expansion, forging strategic alliances, overseeing government engagement, and building a top-tier team.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished commercial executive with extensive aerospace or defense industry knowledge who excels in entrepreneurial settings and is ready to direct the strategic and operational course of a high-growth, international organization.

Essential

• Aerospace, Defense, or Satellite Industry Background: Direct experience in space technology, defense contracting, satellite operations, or related sectors
• Strategic Partnership Development: Track record establishing relationships with government agencies, prime contractors, and commercial partners
• U.S. Defense Contracting Knowledge: Understanding of DoD procurement processes, compliance requirements, and government customer dynamics
• Team Building Capability: Experience recruiting, leading, and scaling high-performing organizations
• Startup or Scale-Up Experience: Comfort operating in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments with ambiguity and evolving priorities
• U.S. Work Authorization: Required for defense contracting compliance and operational requirements
• Revenue Growth & Business Development Expertise: Demonstrated ability to scale revenue, close complex deals, and build sustainable commercial pipelines
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Ownership mentality and willingness to assume equity participation and operational responsibility
• Commercial Leadership Experience: Proven track record as a Chief Revenue Officer, business unit leader, VP of Sales/Business Development, or equivalent role with P&L accountability

Preferred

• International Business Experience: Success navigating cross-border operations or global expansion initiatives

• Space Domain Awareness Expertise: Familiarity with orbital operations, tracking systems, satellite safety, or related mission areas

• Strategic U.S. Location: Proximity to major aerospace and defense hubs preferred; Colorado Springs area highly desirable

• Technical Background: Engineering, science, or technical credentials providing credibility in complex technical environments

• Founder or Co-Founder Experience: Previous experience building or leading a company from early stages

• Security Clearance: Active or previously held U.S. government security clearance

• DoD or National Security Relationships: Established network within U.S. defense, intelligence, or space communities

• Base Salary: $270,000–$300,000 USD annually

• Variable Compensation: Performance-based incentives tied to revenue and growth milestones

• Equity Ownership: Significant equity participation reflecting co-founder status and operational control of the U.S. entity

• Stage: Growth-stage company backed by substantial institutional funding

Why This Opportunity

• Strategic Timing: Enter at a pivotal inflection point where your leadership will directly shape North American growth
• Proven Technology Platform: Leverage established capabilities and international operational experience
• High-Growth Sector: Space situational awareness is critical infrastructure for the rapidly expanding commercial and defense space economy
• Significant Equity Upside: Meaningful ownership stake with genuine entrepreneurial opportunity
• Founding Leadership Role: Build and lead U.S. operations for an established international space technology company
• Government Momentum: Strong traction with U.S. defense and government customers

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