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VP of Development and Operations (Advanced Communications)

McLean, VA

About Us

Red Cell Partners is an incubation firm building and investing in rapidly scalable technology-led companies that are bringing revolutionary advancements to market in three distinct practice areas: healthcare, cyber, and national security. United by a shared sense of duty and deep belief in the power of innovation, Red Cell is developing powerful tools and solutions to address our Nation’s most pressing problems. 

Company: Stealth Incubation; Advanced Communications Company (focusing on Plasma-Enhanced 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 (PE-ESA) 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 ESA 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 ESA 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 ESAs. 
  • 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: 

  • Eligable 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. 

 

 

We’re an Equal Opportunity Employer: You’ll receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

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