Aerospace is at a turning point — costs are rising, supply chains are strained, and old ways of building can't keep up. At Neon Aero, we're breaking that mold. We move fast, think big, and combine start-up agility with aerospace expertise to design, build, and scale aircraft in ways the industry has never seen. Our team leverages automation, AI-driven tools, and a fully connected digital backbone to accelerate innovation and reduce barriers to production.
Here, you won't just take a job — you'll help reinvent how the world flies. If you're ready to solve complex problems, push technology further, and work alongside some of the brightest minds in aerospace, this is your chance to make a real impact.
At Neon Aero, we're taking on the hard challenges in Aerospace—tackling the complex systems at the core of most aircraft. We're not focused on commodity work; our mission is to develop technology with meaningful applications for both new and legacy products. To do this, we need a world-class engineering team that brings diverse technological expertise from within and beyond Aerospace, while embracing the safety and regulatory culture that defines the industry. We're seeking a true technologist—someone with a strong track record of innovation in complex systems. Aerospace experience isn't required; in fact, we welcome fresh perspectives from other industries and will provide the regulatory support needed. Aerospace and Defense candidates are also encouraged to apply but must demonstrate a history of challenging the status quo.
Why This Role Matters:
As Chief Technology Officer (CTO), you will play a defining role in building California's next-generation aerospace design and manufacturing powerhouse. You will have the autonomy to set the technical agenda, access to cutting-edge resources, and the opportunity to shape products that will transform flight for both commercial and defense applications. You will be responsible for leading Neon Aero's technical vision, product, and manufacturing technology roadmap.
The CTO position blends deep technical engineering expertise with strategic leadership, driving and executing the company's R&D strategy for complex aircraft systems at the intersection of electricity, software, and hardware. It calls for an entrepreneurial, agile leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, builds exceptional teams, and delivers new products quickly. A strong sense of collaboration, grit, and a drive to win are essential.
As a key member of the executive team, the CTO will lead all engineering operations, ensuring that technology and product decisions align with Neon Aero's business objectives, growth strategy, and customer commitments.
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Define and execute Neon's technical strategy inclusive of a standard product catalog, innovative custom product applications for customers, and technology development.
- Partner with the CEO and executive team to align engineering and R&D priorities with revenue and growth targets.
- Evaluate and integrate emerging aerospace and defense technologies, including simplification of complex systems, automation of engineering and manufacturing operations through AI-enabled Technologies.
- Support Business Development in winning customer programs.
Technical Excellence
- Oversee all technical functions, including product development, manufacturing engineering, and materials science.
- Drive technology and product roadmaps for complex systems aligned to Neon's product portfolio including how they are manufactured in high volume.
Innovation & Product Development
- Lead the development of next-generation complex system products, ensuring rapid prototyping and manufacturability.
- Foster a culture of innovation balanced with rigorous aerospace quality standards.
- Direct IP strategy for new product designs, manufacturing processes, and proprietary technologies.
Leadership & Talent Development
- Build and mentor a high-performing engineering leadership team.
- Collaborate closely with Business Development, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure technical alignment and efficient execution.
- Represent Neon with key customers, defense agencies, and technology partners.
Risk, Compliance & Security
- Maintain readiness for customers, FAA, and defense-related audits.
What You Will Bring:
- Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree is strongly preferred.
- Extensive technical leadership experience in complex systems development. While Neon is focused on the Aerospace industry, Neon will strongly consider candidates from outside Aerospace who bring strong technological backgrounds to the table.
- Familiarity with aircraft certification requirements is desirable, but not necessary. A successful candidate from outside Aerospace will be provided with engineers that have the appropriate regulatory background as support.
- Proven ability to align technology strategy with business growth, including P&L awareness and capital planning for technical initiatives.
- Ability to represent Neon with defense contractors, government partners, and key commercial customers.
- Prior CTO or VP-level experience in a high-growth technology company.
- Experience in venture-backed or startup environments, balancing rapid scaling with compliance rigor.
Why Join Us:
- Ground-floor opportunity in a high-growth aerospace start-up.
- Direct impact on the future of aviation, aerospace, and defense.
- Competitive executive compensation, including equity participation, and full benefits package (health, vision, dental, 401k
- A leadership seat at the table shaping the future of advanced aerospace complex systems development and manufacturing.
- A culture of innovation, speed, and collaboration — Silicon Valley mindset meets aerospace engineering.
This pay range is specific to the location where the role is posted. Final pay will depend on experience, skill level, and other job-related factors.
Location-Specific Pay Range
$350,000—$462,500 USD
Neon Aero, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
All final candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening as a condition of employment.
At this time, Neon Aero and its divisions are not accepting unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies.
