Will Edwards, CEO of Firehawk Aerospace

missile supply chain bottleneck in defense manufacturing

Missile supply chain bottleneck issues are becoming one of the biggest constraints in modern defense production, limiting how quickly missiles can actually be built. Missile demand is accelerating, but capacity isn’t keeping up—and the real issue isn’t design or funding. It’s rocket propulsion manufacturing. In this episode of Mission Critical: Defense Recruiting, Elray Search CEO…

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Yolanda Clarke, Founder and CEO of Powder River Industries

DevSecOps in Practice Across Defense and National Security | Yolanda Clarke Introduction DevSecOps in defense and national security is discussed constantly, but far fewer leaders have experience implementing it in real mission environments. In this episode of Mission Critical: Defense Recruiting, Katherine Jerald sits down with Yolanda Clarke, Founder and CEO of Powder River Industries,…

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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…

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360 Executive Recruiter – Aerospace & Defense Executive Search

Aerospace executive search firm serving defense electronics manufacturers

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…

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Tim Hillner, Co-Founder & CTO of Fairwinds Technologies

Direct-to-device satellite communications for military and defense operations

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…

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Why Small Space Engineering Firms are Winning with Janet Grondin, CEO of Stellar Solutions

Janet Grondin, CEO at 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…

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Lead Generation & Account Manager (Commission-Based | Hybrid / Remote)

Aerospace executive search firm serving defense electronics manufacturers

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…

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Frank Muth, President of Deltawerx Aerospace

Frank Muth on small drones changing the future of war

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…

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Jim 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…

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Jon Ostrower, Editor in Chief of The Air Current

Jon Ostrower editor in chief of The Air Current aerospace media

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…

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