Factor Search
Factor Search are proud to be partnered with an early stage drone OEM that is currently raising a VC led seed round. With strong investor backing and a proven technology base, this company is building next-generation unmanned systems aimed at transforming operations within the U.S. defense community. They are now seeking their first executive hire, a
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
to shape go-to-market strategy and establish their presence in one of the most dynamic and demanding markets in the world. The Role The CSO will be responsible for developing and executing our go-to-market strategy in the U.S. defense sector. This is a unique opportunity to join a company at the ground floor, working directly with the founders and investors to define how we bring our platform to market, position ourselves with defense customers, and build the partnerships that will accelerate growth. Key Responsibilities Define and execute the U.S. defense go-to-market strategy, including market entry, positioning, and customer engagement. Build and manage relationships with DoD stakeholders, primes, integrators, and key decision-makers across the defense ecosystem. Shape and influence business development activities, including early capture planning, pipeline development, and pursuit strategies. Collaborate with engineering and product teams to ensure market feedback drives system requirements and product roadmap. Support fundraising activities by articulating market opportunities and strategy to investors. Establish the commercial and strategic foundations of the company as part of the early leadership team. What We’re Looking For Proven experience in business development, strategy, or senior leadership roles within the defense and aerospace industry, ideally with exposure to UAS or autonomy. Strong understanding of U.S. defense procurement, programs of record, and acquisition pathways. A network across DoD, primes, and/or integrators relevant to UAS and emerging defense tech. Entrepreneurial mindset: comfortable operating in ambiguity, building from zero, and wearing multiple hats in a fast-moving startup. Strong communicator and relationship builder, with the ability to influence at the highest levels. A genuine interest in scaling a seed-stage company and driving meaningful impact in national security. What We Offer The opportunity to be the first executive hire in a venture-backed drone OEM with ambitious growth plans. Competitive compensation package, including meaningful equity ownership. Direct collaboration with founders and investors on company direction and long-term strategy. A mission-driven culture focused on innovation, agility, and impact.
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Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
to shape go-to-market strategy and establish their presence in one of the most dynamic and demanding markets in the world. The Role The CSO will be responsible for developing and executing our go-to-market strategy in the U.S. defense sector. This is a unique opportunity to join a company at the ground floor, working directly with the founders and investors to define how we bring our platform to market, position ourselves with defense customers, and build the partnerships that will accelerate growth. Key Responsibilities Define and execute the U.S. defense go-to-market strategy, including market entry, positioning, and customer engagement. Build and manage relationships with DoD stakeholders, primes, integrators, and key decision-makers across the defense ecosystem. Shape and influence business development activities, including early capture planning, pipeline development, and pursuit strategies. Collaborate with engineering and product teams to ensure market feedback drives system requirements and product roadmap. Support fundraising activities by articulating market opportunities and strategy to investors. Establish the commercial and strategic foundations of the company as part of the early leadership team. What We’re Looking For Proven experience in business development, strategy, or senior leadership roles within the defense and aerospace industry, ideally with exposure to UAS or autonomy. Strong understanding of U.S. defense procurement, programs of record, and acquisition pathways. A network across DoD, primes, and/or integrators relevant to UAS and emerging defense tech. Entrepreneurial mindset: comfortable operating in ambiguity, building from zero, and wearing multiple hats in a fast-moving startup. Strong communicator and relationship builder, with the ability to influence at the highest levels. A genuine interest in scaling a seed-stage company and driving meaningful impact in national security. What We Offer The opportunity to be the first executive hire in a venture-backed drone OEM with ambitious growth plans. Competitive compensation package, including meaningful equity ownership. Direct collaboration with founders and investors on company direction and long-term strategy. A mission-driven culture focused on innovation, agility, and impact.
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