Swarm Aero is revolutionizing air power by developing the world's largest swarming UAV and the most versatile aircraft network. We are rapidly advancing to launch the first aircraft specifically designed for swarming, along with the Command & Control software to coordinate thousands of heterogeneous autonomous assets, empowering human operators to achieve extraordinary results.
Our team comprises individuals who have successfully created and exited multiple startups, secured defense deals worth billions of dollars, and designed and built over 30 novel aircraft. Our aerospace experience spans industry leaders like Scaled Composites, SpaceX, Airbus, Archer Aviation, Blue Origin, and Boom Supersonic.
Why this role
We are a defense and drone-tech startup coming out of Series A, building aircraft and autonomy that keep good people safer. This is our first dedicated technical recruiter hire. This person will help shape our talent brand, build the hiring engine, and close the bar-raising engineers who define our trajectory. If you thrive in stealth or hyper-scale environments, love hard problems, and want ownership from day one, let’s talk.
What you’ll do
- Own end-to-end recruiting for core engineering groups: Mechanical (design, structures), Manufacturing & Industrial, Software, Avionics, and Embedded/RTOS—from intake to signed offer.
- Build the recruiting system: calibrated scorecards, structured interviews, competency maps, SLAs, and reporting that scales.
- Source where others don’t: cleared communities, niche forums, meetups, labs, alumni networks, and top programs; run targeted outbound that converts.
- Be a trusted advisor to founders and engineering leadership—labor-market insights, funnel diagnostics, capacity planning, and compensation guidance.
- Craft our recruiting image: compelling JDs, outreach narratives, micro-sites, events, and content that speak to mission-driven builders. (Think “mission + autonomy + impact” done right.
- Maintain an exceptional candidate experience with crisp communication, prep, and feedback loops.
- Close: drive structured debriefs, reference loops, and offer strategies that win in competitive markets.
- Track, analyze, and improve: weekly dashboards, source/quality analysis, and process experiments that raise the bar.
Basic Qualifications:
- 7+ years total recruiting experience with 5+ years hands-on technical recruiting.
- Proven success hiring across mechanical, manufacturing, software, avionics, and embedded in startup or hyperscale settings.
- Built or materially upgraded recruiting process (scorecards, calibration rubrics, interviewer training, structured loops).
- Demonstrated ability to source and close hard-to-find engineering talent in competitive markets; comfortable recruiting in or adjacent to cleared environments.
- Operate as a full-cycle owner and hiring-manager partner; you’re comfortable running weekly headcount reviews and advising on trade-offs.
- Excellent writing: you can craft JD/outreach that earns replies and reflects our mission.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience recruiting for safety-critical systems, flight hardware, autonomy, or defense systems.
- Familiarity with RTOS, C/C++, Python, controls, sensor fusion, FPGA/RF, DO-178/254 or similar domains (enough to calibrate quickly with SMEs).
- You’ve scaled a team from ~40→100+ post-Series A and lived the build-while-flying reality.
- Comfort working with cleared talent pipelines (and understanding how to navigate them).
What we Offer
- Meaningful equity stake in a high-growth defense technology company
- Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401k
- PTO and Paid Sick Time
- Monthly Wellness Stipend
- Daily catered lunch to office
- Paid Parental leave
- Flexible work arrangement - remote/hybrid with regular collaboration in Oxnard
- Direct impact opportunity - be a key leader in building a critical technology for national security
- World-class team - work alongside exceptional engineers and operators solving hard problems
Compensation Range:
- $125,000 - $185,000 + Equity
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy work environment, Swarm Aero conducts a thorough screening of prospective employees. Candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background verification process as a prerequisite for employment.
To conform to U.S. Government controlled technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Top Skills
What We Do
Building the largest UAV swarm on the planet
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