Chief Technology Officer

RHH202503

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

THE COMPANY

Headquartered in Southeastern Michigan, our client is a privately held company operating at the forefront of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) industry. With seamless vertical integration, they manage every stage of their product’s lifecycle—from concept to production—ensuring efficiency and precision. Their defining competitive advantage is the development of the only multi-fuel engine of its size, delivering the longest range and highest payload capacity in its class. Committed to delivering exceptional value in cost, service, and technology, they foster a culture built on integrity, hard work, extreme ownership, and a solutions-driven mindset where challenges are met by decisive action.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Our highly innovative client is looking for an experienced and humble technology leader who will play an integral part in the growth and profitability of the company. The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is a vital leadership role responsible for optimizing the profitability, efficiency, and effectiveness of technology focused activities in the company. It is an opportunity to directly impact the company’s strategy, direction, and growth, and have a hand in shaping the future of the organization and UAS.

This position reports to the Vice President with zero direct reports initially with dotted line responsibilities.

JOB DEFINITION

The CTO will be responsible for overseeing the entire technological development of the company, including design, engineering, R&D and production. This position will play a critical role in developing and managing the technology and product roadmaps, while defining and executing the technical vision. This critical role will interface with customers and other stakeholders providing a clear direction and plan. It is essential to ensure the company stays at the forefront of innovation while aligning technical strategy with business objectives. The CTO will focus on achieving continuous improvements while maintaining supreme awareness of the trends and conditions in this technology-specific industry. The CTO will build and lead a team of engineers and inspire the product development teams to reliably deliver consistent customer service in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.

SKILLS

This position will be a strategic leader with a big picture focus for research and development and will oversee the development, implementation, and management of all technological aspects within the organization.

Drive innovation and oversee the development and launch of products and services while formulating a strategic plan for how the company will achieve its goals.
Engage extensively with customers, sub-contractors and production to ensure alignment with technological advancements.
Build, oversee and scale product development team of engineers from 1 to 30.
Establish new scalable development platforms and processes and hold a high performing team accountable while making continuous improvements.
Stay informed on emerging trends in the UAS industry to maintain a competitive edge.
Positively influence a team to provide creative solutions in an ever-changing environment focused on delivering exceptional customer results.
Interface with internal and external resources to ensure intellectual property is appropriately protected.
Evaluate and implement new systems; test innovative technologies to ensure they are secure and profitable.
Communicate and collaborate effectively with cross functional teams; share ideas, technical information and solutions with partners to ensure technology initiatives align with the company’s overall goal.
Keep track of purchase orders ensuring the necessary components are procured to the precise standards, maintain compliance with strict regulations, and act as the liaison for the company and its suppliers.

Leadership and Management:

Lead the organization’s technological vision, strategies, and execution.
Ensure that the company’s technology is aligned with its business goals and objectives.
Create and manage key indicators for competitive performance in development projects. Lead and manage multiple projects to successful completion.
Build a strong accountable team; coach and lead a product development team to deliver exceptional customer service and outcomes.
Foster a culture of ownership and accountability, ensuring teams take full responsibility for their work and drive results (Own It Mentality).
Inspire and mentor product development teams and scale the team to desired capacity.
Manage the company’s technological infrastructure to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
Anticipate future trends to ensure staying ahead of the curve by identifying new technologies and potential disruptions.
Business Relationship Manager (BRM) to evolve culture, build partnerships, drive value and support the company’s purpose.
Proactively identify and mitigate risks, addressing potential obstacles before they impact progress.

BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE

Must have experience in the UAS industry.
10+ years relevant and related work experience with a minimum of 5 years successfully leading and directing engineering teams.
Must have experience in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and proven ability to work highly efficiently in autonomous space.
Experience in aerospace, aviation, UAS and/or Robotics fields is highly desired. Strong electrical wiring experience is a plus.
Proven technological development of a company, including the design, engineering, and production of hardware and software systems.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance and be a U.S. Citizen with a current passport.
Additional experience in developing image processing, machine learning systems and artificial intelligence is desired but not required.
Strategic leader with a stellar work ethic who has overseen the development, implementation, and management of all technological aspects of an organization.
Hands on “roll-up-your-sleeves” approach with a figure-it-out and get-it-done attitude.
Proven technological experience maintaining awareness of trends in the industry.
Must be highly communicative with strong people skills and provide creative and innovative solutions in an ever-changing environment.
Must have an advanced understanding of systems engineering, including mechanical, electrical and software engineering.
Thick skinned and supreme project management skills with a proven ability to positively influence cross functional teams.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

If you have these qualifications and are looking for a challenging career, please submit your Resume using the button below.

Sam Frank

VP, Executive Search & Lead Consultant

Nicole Regula

Vice President, Executive Recruitment Operations

Eric Hohauser

President