Director, Communications & Marketing

Purpose

The Director, Communications & Marketing will lead and shape our company's brand identity and communication strategies, positioning us as an innovative leader in the hard tech sector. This role will oversee a dynamic team responsible for delivering cohesive messaging, driving brand awareness, and maximizing our presence at key industry events. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with hands-on execution to amplify our technological innovation, reliability, and growth story across all channels.

The Role

• Strategic Messaging & Branding:
  Develop, refine, and execute a compelling brand narrative that establishes the company as a pioneer in hard tech innovation. Ensure brand consistency across all platforms, campaigns, and stakeholder communications.
• Executive Communications:
  Partner closely with the CCO and executive team to craft clear, persuasive communications including speeches, presentations, investor updates, and thought leadership content that elevate leadership's profile and align with strategic priorities.
• Media Relations & Thought Leadership:
  Build and maintain strong relationships with industry journalists, analysts, and influencers. Proactively secure media coverage by pitching stories, managing press interactions, and positioning leadership as trusted industry voices.
• Content Creation & Management:
  Oversee the production of high-quality content including press releases, white papers, case studies, blog posts, and social media campaigns that engage and educate industry stakeholders.
• Internal Communications:
  Collaborate with executive leadership to design and implement internal communication programs that promote transparency, employee engagement, and a unified company culture.
• Crisis & Practical Communications:
  Serve as the primary resource for clear, accurate messaging in high-pressure situations, balancing crisis management with day-to-day communication needs.
• Events & Industry Engagement:
  Lead the planning and execution of industry events, trade shows, product launches, webinars, and sponsorships. Leverage these opportunities to showcase our capabilities, build strategic partnerships, and enhance brand visibility.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  Manage and mentor a communications and marketing team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture. Oversee resource allocation, professional development, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Performance Measurement & Strategy Refinement:
  Define KPIs for all communications and marketing initiatives. Use data-driven insights to monitor effectiveness, report to leadership, and continuously optimize strategies to support business objectives and funding milestones.

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in corporate communications, ideally within aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or related high-tech sectors.
• Proven ability to craft press releases, internal messages, and targeted media pitches.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with or within defense primes or government-related clients.
• Familiarity with industry-specific media outlets and key stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and meet tight deadlines.
• Willingness to attend industry events, media engagements, and occasional travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience in aerospace and defense sectors, with understanding of defense contractors and regulatory environment.
• Background working through funding rounds and growth phases, with experience communicating during periods of rapid change.
• Demonstrated ambition, proactive work ethic, and a hands-on approach to getting things done.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate complex technical topics into accessible content.

Work Environment

• In office presence in Torrance, CA.
• Collaboration across departments including executive leadership, engineering and business development.
• Fast-paced, dynamic environment that values innovation, initiative, and tangible results.