VP of Development and Operations

Company: Stealth Incubation; Advanced Communications Company (focusing on Plasma-Enhanced Electrically Small Antenna (ESA) Technology)

Location: Hybrid-Remote, with a preference for the National Capital Region, approximate 20% travel location depending

About the Company:

Backed by Red Cell Partners, the Company is a newly formed startup poised to revolutionize advanced communications across defense, telecommunications, aerospace, and other sectors. The Company is initially focused on commercializing a university-developed, groundbreaking plasma-enhanced electrically small antenna (Plasma Enhanced-Electrically Small Antenna) technology that offers significant advantages over conventional antennas, including:

• Ultra-wide bandwidth.

• Electrically small form factor.

• High power handling capabilities.
• Potential for multi-band agility and reconfigurability.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary entrepreneur to lead the Advanced Communications Company through its initial growth phase and establish it as a dominant player in the advanced antenna market. The leader will be responsible for developing and executing the company's strategic plan, securing funding, building a high-performance team, driving commercialization of the plasma-enhanced Electrically Small Antenna technology across multiple sectors, and identifying other complementary technologies and opportunities that can drive growth.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Vision:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive business plan to achieve the company's strategic and financial goals.

• Define and articulate the company's vision, mission, and values.

• Identify and evaluate new market opportunities and applications for plasma-enhanced Electrically Small Antenna technology.

Fundraising & Investor Relations:

• Secure funding through venture capital, grants (e.g., SBIR/STTR Phase II/III), and strategic partnerships.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with investors, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Team Building & Management:

• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team of engineers, scientists, sales, and marketing professionals.

• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.

Commercialization & Sales:

• Drive the commercialization of plasma-enhanced ESA technology across multiple target markets, including defense, telecommunications, and aerospace.

• Establish strategic partnerships with defense contractors, telecom operators, and aerospace companies to facilitate market entry and accelerate sales.

• Oversee the development and execution of sales and marketing strategies to generate revenue and build market share.

Product Development & Engineering:

• Provide strategic oversight for product development, ensuring alignment with market needs and technical feasibility.

• Manage the transition of the technology from lab prototype (TRL 4/5) to deployable product (TRL 9) through iterative prototyping, testing, and qualification.

• Address technical challenges related to plasma ignition and sustainment, packaging and environmental robustness, and regulatory compliance.

Manufacturing & Operations:

• Establish a scalable and cost-effective manufacturing process for plasma-enhanced Electrically Small Antennas.

• Oversee supply chain management, quality control, and logistics.

Regulatory & Legal:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory standards, including FCC/ETSI, MIL-STD-461, and FAA certifications.

• Protect the company's intellectual property through patents and trade secrets.

Qualifications:

• Eligible for a U.S. DoD security clearance

• Deep understanding of the advanced antenna market and competitive landscape, including defense, telecommunications, and aerospace sectors.

• Proven leadership experience as an executive, senior leader or founder in a technology-driven company, especially high-growth startups.

• Strong technical acumen with the ability to understand and articulate the value proposition of complex technologies.

• Experience in fundraising and investor relations, with a track record of securing venture capital, grants, and strategic partnerships.

• Demonstrated ability to build and manage high-performance teams.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

• Experience with government contracting and the SBIR/STTR program is highly desirable.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience with dual-use technology in commercialization (defense and commercial).

• Knowledge of Department of Defense (DoD) go-to-market strategies, including non-traditional defense contractor pathways, prototype transition, and early-stage capture planning.

• Familiarity with relevant MIL-STD requirements for environmental ruggedness and electromagnetic compatibility.

• Understanding of telecom industry standards and regulatory landscape.

• Experience in the aerospace sector, including satellite communications and avionics.

• Experience within startups or startup like environments

Our Benefits:

• Career track opportunity with potential for rapid advancement with strong performance as the firm grows 

• 100% employer paid, comprehensive health care including medical, dental, and vision for you and your family.

• Paid maternity and paternity for 14 weeks at the employees' normal pay.

• Unlimited PTO, with management approval.

• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.

• Optional 401K, FSA, and equity incentives available.

• Mental health benefits are available through Tara Mind.

Salary Range: $200,000-$250,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience, skills, and other factors.