CTO, Defense Software & AI-Driven LVC Leader

Acumen Executive Search; Camas (WA); On-site; USD 240,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

PLEXSYS, a defense software and services company, seeks a Chief Technology Officer in Camas, WA to lead engineering, production, IT, and security. You will drive the technology strategy, software sustainment, and innovation across the organization, reporting to executive leadership and working with the CEO and board as needed.

This executive role requires transforming software delivery, guiding AI integration, and building scalable teams across regulated environments.

Qualifications

• 10+ years leading software development in a senior role.
• Deep knowledge of Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training frameworks and integration.
• Experience managing large R&D budgets and resource allocation.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business insights for leadership.
• Proven track record building high-performing engineering teams.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% for customer/review meetings.
• Must be able to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Ensure innovation is a persistent tenet and align with company values.
• Implement programs addressing industry compliance issues.
• Promote engineering recruiting, development, and retention of top teams.
• Provide ongoing opportunities for feedback on processes, programs, products, and operations.
• Oversee budgeting for Production and IT services and ensure effective execution.
• Lead development of patentable technologies and maintain competitive advantage.

Skills

Leadership 10+ yrs

LVC Training

Tech-to-Biz insights

KPIs & metrics

AI/ML integration

Change management

Cross-team collaboration

Customer engagement

Education

B.S. in Computer Science

MS/MBA preferred

Tools

HLA

DIS

Cloud-native architectures

Edge computing

Job description

PLEXSYS, a defense software and services company, seeks a Chief Technology Officer in Camas, WA to lead engineering, production, IT, and security. You will drive the technology strategy, software sustainment, and innovation across the organization, reporting to executive leadership and working with the CEO and board as needed.

This executive role requires transforming software delivery, guiding AI integration, and building scalable teams across regulated environments.