Posts by Katherine Jerald
The Cost of a Counteroffer
Why you should think twice when your defense employer counters You finally land an outside offer. It’s exciting — maybe even overdue. Then your employer provides a counteroffer. More money. Maybe a better title. A plea to stay. It’s tempting, and sometimes it makes sense. I first wrote about this on LinkedIn, where it sparked…
Read More360 Executive Recruiter – Aerospace & Defense Executive Search
Remote | Avg Fee $63K | Top Splits | Succession Track Elray Search is a boutique executive search firm operating in one of the hottest growth sectors entering 2026: aerospace and defense electronics. We place mission-critical leaders for manufacturers building RF systems, microelectronics, avionics, and space hardware. Average fee: $63,000. This is not a volume…
Read MoreTim Hillner, Co-Founder & CTO of Fairwinds Technologies
Direct-to-device satellite communications are transforming how the military connects in contested and remote environments, using standard cell phones with no custom hardware or special devices. That capability exists today. In this episode of Mission Critical: Defense & Aerospace Recruiting, Elray Search CEO Katherine Jerald speaks with Tim Hillner, Co-Founder of Fairwinds Technologies, a defense communications…
Read MoreWhy Small Space Engineering Firms are Winning with Janet Grondin, CEO of Stellar Solutions
A candid look at space engineering culture across DC, Denver, and Southern California Janet Grondin, CEO of Stellar Solutions, has spent more than 27 years across the Air Force, Space Force, Northrop Grumman, and now at the helm of one of the industry’s most respected small systems engineering firms. Few leaders have seen the space…
Read MoreLead Generation & Account Manager (Commission-Based | Hybrid / Remote)
About the RoleWe’re hiring a Lead Generation & Account Manager to help drive new business and manage early-stage client relationships. This role is ideal for someone who’s succeeded in commission-based or tip-driven sales and wants uncapped earning potential tied directly to performance. You’ll focus on outbound lead generation, relationship building, and account support—working remotely most…
Read MoreFrank Muth, President of Deltawerx Aerospace
At the highest levels of modern warfare, Frank Muth, a retired Major General, is helping redefine what “advantage” really means. Moreover, his view is blunt: the future isn’t coming — it’s already here. He’s now part of Deltawerx Aerospace, where the focus is clear: build ultra-compact, rapidly deployable drones with changeable payloads. Therefore, the mission…
Read MoreJim Rimay, President of MilDef US
Jim Rimay, President of MilDef US, leads a systems integrator and full-spectrum provider specializing in MilDef defense technology and rugged IT solutions for the most demanding military and government environments. With Swedish roots and a growing U.S. presence, MilDef is bridging two worlds—bringing Nordic collaboration and balance to the fast-paced American defense market. Jim shares…
Read MoreJon Ostrower, Editor in Chief of The Air Current
In a time when AI-generated noise clutters every feed, Jon Ostrower, The Air Current is doing the opposite. Instead of chasing hype, he is building a trusted, slow-growth media brand rooted in depth, clarity, and real human connection. In this episode, Jon Ostrower The Air Current shares the founding story and the contrarian media bet…
Read MoreDebra Facktor, Head of U.S. Space Systems at Airbus
“You can have the best idea ever and a not so good team — it’s not going to work. You have a great team and maybe an okay idea and it can be fantastic. Great teams can elevate mediocre ideas. And they can also creatively figure out a way around the obstacles — the real…
Read MoreTina Ghataore, CSRO of Aerospacelab
“You cannot lose connectivity. You cannot have delays. You cannot wait. You have to be able to move, and you have to be able to communicate.” – Tina Ghataore Tina Ghataore didn’t just break into aerospace—she’s redefining how satellites are built, scaled, and sold globally. As Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer at Aerospacelab, Tina is…
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