Los Angeles, CA | On-site
I’m working exclusively with an ambitious, well-backed aerospace and defense startup in Los Angeles as they search for a VP of Engineering to lead their next phase of growth.
The company is developing genuinely novel hardware for demanding real-world applications. As they move beyond early concepts and prototypes, the focus is firmly on building, testing and shipping real systems.
They’re looking for an exceptional engineering leader to help make that happen.
The Opportunity
This is not a conventional executive role built around layers of management and PowerPoint strategy.
My client is looking for a builder. You'll be someone who has taken complex physical products from concept through design, build, integration and test, and understands what it takes to turn ambitious engineering goals into working hardware.
As VP of Engineering, you'll lead a growing multidisciplinary organisation spanning mechanical, electrical, software and systems engineering. You'll have significant influence over technical direction, engineering culture and development processes, while remaining closely connected to the hardware itself.
What They're Looking For
The ideal candidate will bring:
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Significant engineering leadership experience within aerospace, defense, space or another demanding hardware environment.
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A proven track record of shipping complex physical systems from development through deployment.
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Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex hardware programmes.
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Strong technical judgement and the ability to operate credibly across engineering disciplines.
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A practical understanding of hardware development, including integration, testing, manufacturing and technical risk.
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Experience building and scaling high-performing engineering teams.
My client is open to established VP-level leaders, as well as exceptional Directors, Heads of Engineering or Chief Engineers ready to take the next step.
The Person
More than anything, they’re looking for someone with a bias toward execution.
A leader who knows the difference between activity and progress; who can make difficult decisions, operate with ambiguity and hold teams accountable for outcomes.
For the right person, this is an opportunity to build an engineering organisation in their image while leading the development of genuinely consequential aerospace hardware.
If you've built and shipped complex hardware and would be interested in a confidential conversation, I'd be happy to share more.
