I’m a retiring military officer with 24 years of service. I don’t know where I fit in the real world. I’ll try and summarize briefly what I’m doing and have done, and maybe someone would be kind enough to translate this to a path forward in the tech sector / non-defense. I’ve had a great run in the military, but I’m ready for something new. In my current job I’m responsible for the day-to-day operations of a $15B+ portfolio of complex satellite systems, ground processing software, and the sustainment/logistics for those systems (the closest analogue might be an EVP, VP of Ops, COO, or something along those lines; I’m a direct report to our CEO-equiv). We have 700+ employees across several geographic locations, and at least a dozen major contracts with large defense contractors around the country. Average weeks are 60-80 hours. In my past I’ve managed an R&D center with a high tech focus: a supercomputer cluster, a devops team that deployed and operated complex control software (autonomy, but not AI/ML at the time), and some cool tech that might be too much info for here. The rest of my career has spanned program management, engineering (BS and MS in engineering), strategy (PhD in that), executive support/CoS-type work, org design/change management (the military reorgs itself a lot), and other odds and ends. I’m pretty good at seeing and solving complex problems that others miss (via unsolicited feedback from others). I can go from zero to 80% on a tech topic quickly, and I can translate those complex topics to 4-star level language well. I’ve led my share of “interesting personality” ICs who we really needed on the team, and got the best work out of them (and they liked me at the end). I enjoy the challenge of working with amazingly talented people, and helping them achieve their goals. I also hate writing this stuff about myself. I actually believe “there’s no limit to what we can accomplish when nobody cares who gets the credit.” I give all the credit for good work to those who get it done. When shit hits the fan, I step in front to take the blame. I don’t like grabbing attention, and would rather just get stuff done and let the the team and our work speak for itself. My job as a leader is to get the team the resources it needs to do the mission, help them develop into better versions of themselves, protect them from BS bureaucracy (we have a LOT of that), remove roadblocks, and give direction and guidance where/when needed (and only then). I hope the above is enough to give a vague idea of what I bring to the table. If this sounds like a skill set and experience that has a place out there…what type of job / title / company should I research more? Thanks in advance! TC: $200K YoE: 24 #jobfit
Cash in and become a contractor Cheap out and becomes a gs lol
I just realized I am being paid way too much for what I do in my job.
Nah you’re not overpaid, this guy is underpaid 200k to run a 15b operation lol You need a larger pay to reflect that level of impact.
This is an incredible track record. First, thank you for your service. Second, I believe you will find a director-level job at company like Anduril with zero problems.
+1 Anduril. Great place for someone with your skill set. The biggest mistake I see from vets transitioning to civilian roles is shooting to low (leveling and comp). Civilian roles and recruiting process is no place for humility where I often see vets take roles way too junior.
COO. you need a headhunter (agency) not applying out of the blue. they will help you
100%
Any recommendations?
It's a ton easier to get jobs as a vet. the world is your oyster Edit: I had an army friend who was in the cyber branch get out recently and had someone from army help connect him with places like palantir anduril etc. He ended up at Capital One, maybe pull that string!
SpaceX, Amazon both come to mind. They both have heavy sat programs with open JDs rn. HackSpaceCon is tomorrow/this week, you should go. Its at the Space center in Cape Canaveral? Butchered that, probably. Let me know where you land, you sound like a leader worth following.
OP thanks for your service. Any tech company selling to the military would be a natural fit. Someone mentioned Anduril and I’d +1 that. I would spend time understanding where you are in leveling and comp. Solicit some advice from someone already in tech and pretty senior (senior director/VP) and if they’re a vet even better. Get clarity on your compensation expectation and proper level to reach for. I see vets take roles far too junior too often. You definitely cannot leave it to the recruiter to tell you your level or comp - they’ll undercut you 9/10 times. Someone also mentioned an executive recruiting firm. That could be great if you find the right one.
try reaching out to executive recruiters who are hiring into industries adjacent to your experience / expertise. they can help you to both find opportunities, and suggest where to focus
A few folks have mentioned this: any recommendations for good ones based on experience? I’ve skimmed a bit and that industry seems like a mixed bag.
unfortunately, don’t know anyone there
Amazon is launching satellite internet (in simple terms) with project kuiper, there should for sure be some program management roles needed .. check out the jobs portal .. happy to refer you to any open positions
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