Keller Executive Search ยท 2 hours ago
CEO - Defense and Aerospace
Colorado Springs, CO
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$270K/yr - $300K/yrKeller Executive Search is seeking a Chief Executive Officer for a well-funded international space technology company establishing its U.S. headquarters. This role involves leading the founding operation, driving commercial growth, and building strategic relationships within the aerospace and defense sectors.
Staffing & Recruiting
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Build and lead the American business from the ground up
Drive revenue growth
Establish strategic partnerships
Manage government relations
Assemble a high-performance team
Qualification
Required
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
Aerospace, Defense, or Satellite Industry Background: Direct experience in space technology, defense contracting, satellite operations, or related sectors
U.S. Defense Contracting Knowledge: Understanding of DoD procurement processes, compliance requirements, and government customer dynamics
Revenue Growth & Business Development Expertise: Demonstrated ability to scale revenue, close complex deals, and build sustainable commercial pipelines
Startup or Scale-Up Experience: Comfort operating in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments with ambiguity and evolving priorities
Team Building Capability: Experience recruiting, leading, and scaling high-performing organizations
Strategic Partnership Development: Track record establishing relationships with government agencies, prime contractors, and commercial partners
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Ownership mentality and willingness to assume equity participation and operational responsibility
U.S. Work Authorization: Required for defense contracting compliance and operational requirements
Preferred
Founder or Co-Founder Experience: Previous experience building or leading a company from early stages
DoD or National Security Relationships: Established network within U.S. defense, intelligence, or space communities
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
Security Clearance: Active or previously held U.S. government security clearance
International Business Experience: Success navigating cross-border operations or global expansion initiatives
Technical Background: Engineering, science, or technical credentials providing credibility in complex technical environments
Benefits
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
Company
Keller Executive Search
Keller Executive Search is a boutique executive recruitment and advisory firm dedicated to connecting top-tier talent with leading organizations worldwide.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase