CTO Assistant

About the role

Imagine this... you step into a role that places you at the center of Destinus technological strategy. As the CTO Assistant you will serve as a critical strategic partner to the Chief Technology Officer, facilitating coordination across all technical domains while leading independent R&D initiatives at very low Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 1-3). This role requires exceptional technical breadth, project management excellence, and the ability to bridge complex multidisciplinary challenges spanning from fundamental research to system integration.

At Destinus, we are revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. Destinus partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission-critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.

What You´ll Do

Strategic Support and Cross Domain Coordination

• Serve as the CTO's strategic partner, managing schedules, priorities, and high level technical communication
• Enable department heads across all technical areas to achieve their objectives through resource coordination, roadblock removal, and cross-functional alignment
• Identify and resolve interdisciplinary engineering challenges
• Interface with government agencies, research institutions, and industry partners on behalf of the CTO

Independent R&D Leadership

• Lead fundamental research projects at TRL 1 - 3
• Identify and assess breakthrough technologies for future capabilities
• Build and manage academic partnerships for advanced concept development
• Support patent creation and intellectual property processes for novel technologies.

Technical Domain Areas

• Coordination between team heads and ensuring alignment with overall strategic objectives for
• Vehicle Design - ISR drones, cruise missiles, electric interceptors, loitering munitions
• Turbine Engine Design - Propulsion system development and integration
• System Design - Hardware platforms and system integration
• Software Design - System software and flight software
• Optical Systems - Visual navigation systems, target trackers, star trackers
• Warhead and Fuze Design - Safety-critical hardware and software design
• Rocket Motors - Pyrobolts and initiation systems
• Regulatory & Compliance - Explosive licensing, storage, import/export of dangerous goods
• Export Control - Military goods classification and export control
• Manufacturing - Production facilities for rocket motors, fuze assembly, and energetics manufacturing
• Testing & Validation - Explosives and warhead testing

Project Management and Operations

• Oversee coordination of complex multi year R&D programs
• Ensure optimal allocation of people, equipment, and budgets across projects
• Identify technical and program risks and drive mitigation plans
• Support certification activities and compliance with international regulations

Requirements

What You’ll Need

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field.
• 5-8 years in defense aerospace, weapons systems, or high-tech R&D environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and managing complex projects.
• Experience with fundamental research, academic collaboration, and publication.
• Knowledge of missile systems, munitions, and defense platforms.
• Deep understanding of complex defense system integration.
• Knowledge of turbine engine design and propulsion systems.
• Understanding of ITAR, EAR, and European dual-use regulations.
• PMP certification or equivalent experience managing technical programs.
• Experience with international defense collaboration and partnerships.
• Understanding of dangerous goods import/export requirements and knowledge of explosive handling, storage, and transportation regulations.
• Possibility to travel.
• English fluency.

Who You Are

You move comfortably across different engineering worlds and stay clear, structured, and focused even in high complexity. You think fast, adapt fast, and communicate well with specialists from any domain. You like taking ownership, solving ambiguous challenges, and keeping priorities aligned. Above all, you’re driven by impact and excited to help steer cutting edge aerospace innovation.

Benefits

Why Join Us?

✨ The Thrill of the Future – Work on cutting-edge projects that redefine aerospace.
✨ Global Innovation Hub – Collaborate with top engineers from all over the world.
✨ Fast-Paced & High-Growth – Experience the rush of working in a rapidly expanding company.
✨ Real Impact – Your work won’t be theoretical—it will shape the future of flight.

Destinus is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity in our companies and our teams and do not discriminate based on age, race, religion, color, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability status.

🚀 Destinus – Challenge the limits of time, space, and human potential.