We’re on a mission to make the skies safe and accessible for everyone. Our technology gives pilots greater control by simplifying the management of any aircraft during standard flight operations, inclement weather, and emergencies. Our SkyOS solution, rigorously and relentlessly developed by skilled and dedicated Skyrysers, is the key to unlocking this unbounded future. Our technology, combined with our commitment to saving lives and our passion for aviation, will empower everyone to experience the joy and freedom of flight.
HEAD OF GROWTH - EL SEGUNDO, CA OR WASHINGTON, D.C.
Skyryse is seeking a Head of Growth to lead and scale our defense business end-to-end. Reporting to the CEO and serving on the executive leadership team, the CGO owns the full commercial engine for the DoD and allied international markets — government affairs, sales, and business development — and is accountable for the pipeline, revenue, and programs of record that will define Skyryse's trajectory.
This is a builder's role for an operator who has scaled a defense business before. You will be responsible for translating SkyOS's technical advantage into funded programs, durable customer relationships, and a platform position in next-generation aviation.
This is a full-time onsite opportunity based out of El Segundo, CA or Washington, D.C.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Build and lead a high-performing commercialization and government strategy team.
- Own the P&L for Skyryse's defense business, including pipeline, bookings, and recognized revenue across DoD, adjacent federal agencies, and allied international governments.
- Set commercial strategy and prioritization frameworks in partnership with the CEO and executive team, balancing speed, revenue, and long-term platform positioning.
- Establish Skyryse as a platform company by promoting open architecture and modular integration with third-party systems.
- Shape and influence budget priorities and program funding pathways ahead of formal acquisition processes.
- Lead capture and business development on priority pursuits; shaping requirements, budget priorities, and funding pathways (including non-traditional mechanisms) ahead of formal acquisition.
- Serve as Skyryse's senior external face to DoD leadership, Congressional stakeholders, program executive offices, and warfighter end users.
- Partner cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, and Leadership to align product roadmap with defense & commercial needs and positioning.
- Monitor competitive landscape, including emerging defense tech companies and legacy primes.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- 15+ years driving commercialization in defense, government, or dual-use technology.
- Proven track record selling into or working with the U.S. Department of Defense.
- Deep understanding of DoD acquisition processes, requirements generation, and budget cycles.
- Demonstrated experience influencing government funding decisions, program direction, or resource prioritization.
- Familiarity with aviation, aerospace, autonomy, or software-enabled hardware, including how crewed, unmanned, and autonomous platforms are evaluated, funded, and adopted differently across DoD acquisition pathways.
- Strong executive communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical capabilities into clear, mission-aligned value propositions.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience at high-growth defense technology companies scaling to programmatic revenue.
- Demonstrated success building new markets or breaking into established government ecosystems.
- Experience working with or managing lobbying firms and external policy advisors.
- Strong network across defense innovation units, program offices, acquisition organizations, and operational commands.
- Experience integrating go-to-market strategy with product development and technical positioning.
- Experience with the policy and acquisition landscape for autonomous and semi-autonomous systems, ideally including vertical lift programs and human-in-the-loop requirements.
WHY SKYRYSE?
- The opportunity to change the world through improving aviation safety and accessibility
- Valuable stock option plan
- Salary: $240,000 - $310,000
- Heavily subsidized medical, dental and vision plans
- Full-time employees are eligible for 20 days of paid time off (PTO) and 5 sick days annually. PTO and sick days must be used in accordance with Company policy.
- A company with an ambitious vision, a dynamic work environment, and a team of smart, motivated, and fun to work-with colleagues!
The posted salary range reflects the potential base pay for this role, adjusted to account for varying geographic markets. Final compensation will be based on factors such as your location, job-related skills, experience, and internal alignment, including equity and benefits.
WE WELCOME ALL
Skyryse is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
NO AGENCY CANDIDATES WILL BE CONSIDERED.
Skills Required
- 15+ years driving commercialization in defense, government, or dual-use technology
- Proven track record selling into or working with the U.S. Department of Defense
- Deep understanding of DoD acquisition processes, requirements generation, and budget cycles
Skyryse Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Skyryse and has not been reviewed or approved by Skyryse.
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Affordable Benefits — Health insurance is heavily subsidized with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families. The low out-of-pocket burden meaningfully increases the value of total compensation.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Policies include 20 days of accrued PTO per year plus sick time and paid holidays, with some materials also describing an unlimited vacation approach. The breadth of time-off offerings compares favorably for a startup environment.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Daily free meals, an onsite gym with a holistic wellness program, snacks and drinks, onsite parking, a mother’s room, and relocation assistance provide tangible day-to-day support. These amenities enhance workplace convenience and overall quality of life.
Skyryse Insights
What We Do
Over a century after the Wright Brothers changed the course of aviation at Kitty Hawk, we are working to open up the skies to the masses. By combining technology and human ingenuity, we want to usher in the next great era of transportation. Skyryse wants to allow anyone, to fly anywhere, in any aircraft, safely and as a highly experienced pilot would. Powered by the Skyryse operating system, we automate flight controls and management to achieve unmatched safety and eliminate opportunities for human error in all flight stages, and in emergency situations. We want to make flying as ubiquitous as the road and as safe as the elevator.
Why Work With Us
Our Four Core Values: Operate as One Team Push for the impossible Move fast to get results with safety, discipline, and purpose Listen to each other with humility to get to the best solution
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