Head of Cyber Security

About PowerusPowerus is building a next-generation autonomous systems platform serving defense, national security, public safety, and commercial markets. Through advanced manufacturing, applied autonomy, strategic acquisitions, and rapid innovation, we are scaling a business operating at the intersection of technology, manufacturing, and national security.As we continue our growth trajectory, we are seeking a Cyber Security Officer to build and lead the cybersecurity function required to support a rapidly growing public company operating in a highly regulated defense and technology environment.The OpportunityThe Cyber Security Officer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the company's cybersecurity strategy, governance framework, risk management processes, security operations, and compliance initiatives.This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced cyber professional who can balance strategic thinking with practical execution. The successful candidate will build the cybersecurity foundation necessary to support a publicly traded business while enabling rapid growth across engineering, manufacturing, software, corporate operations, and government programs.We are seeking a builder, not a caretaker. Someone who is comfortable developing Board-level cyber reporting, managing incident response readiness, driving compliance initiatives, improving technical controls, and partnering with operational leaders across the business.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute the company's enterprise cybersecurity strategy and roadmap.Establish scalable cybersecurity governance, policies, standards, and operating procedures.Lead cyber risk identification, assessment, mitigation, monitoring, and reporting activities.Develop and maintain incident response, investigation, escalation, recovery, and disclosure processes.Establish cybersecurity reporting frameworks for executive leadership, the Board, and audit committee stakeholders.Partner with Legal, Finance, Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Compliance teams to ensure cybersecurity risks are appropriately managed.Lead vulnerability management, endpoint security, identity and access management, cloud security, network security, and data protection initiatives.Build and oversee third-party cybersecurity risk management programs covering suppliers, vendors, software providers, and strategic partners.Support cybersecurity requirements associated with government, defense, and regulated customer programs.Develop and maintain disaster recovery, business continuity, and cyber resilience plans.Drive cybersecurity awareness, education, and training initiatives across the organization.Implement security controls across enterprise systems, engineering environments, cloud platforms, manufacturing systems, and corporate infrastructure.Manage external cybersecurity providers, penetration testing firms, auditors, consultants, and managed security partners.Leverage AI-enabled security tools, automation, and advanced monitoring capabilities to improve security effectiveness and operational efficiency.Support acquisition due diligence and integration activities from a cybersecurity perspective as the company continues to grow.What We're Looking ForBachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.8+ years of cybersecurity, information security, or cyber risk management experience.Experience building or leading cybersecurity programs within high-growth organizations.Strong understanding of cybersecurity governance, enterprise risk management, and security operations.Experience operating within publicly traded companies or public-company readiness environments.Strong knowledge of cloud security, endpoint security, identity management, network security, vulnerability management, and incident response.Ability to communicate complex technical risks to executive and non-technical stakeholders.Strong project management and organizational skills.Practical, solutions-oriented mindset with a bias toward execution.Highly Desirable ExperienceDefense, aerospace, autonomous systems, robotics, manufacturing, industrial technology, or national security sector experience.Experience supporting SEC cybersecurity disclosure requirements and Board-level cyber governance.Familiarity with NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), NIST 800-171, CMMC, DFARS, FAR, and related government cybersecurity requirements.Experience supporting environments handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).Knowledge of supply chain security and third-party cyber risk management.Experience supporting SOX environments and public-company internal control frameworks.CISSP, CISM, CISA, CRISC, CCSP, Security+, or equivalent certifications.Experience securing engineering, manufacturing, operational technology, or product development environments.Experience implementing cybersecurity programs within rapidly scaling businesses.What Success Looks LikeWithin your first 12 months, you will:Establish a scalable cybersecurity program aligned with the needs of a growing public company.Strengthen enterprise-wide cyber governance, policies, controls, and risk management processes.Improve cybersecurity visibility and reporting across leadership and Board-level stakeholders.Advance readiness for customer, regulatory, and government cybersecurity requirements.Reduce cyber risk across corporate systems, engineering environments, manufacturing operations, and third-party suppliers.Build a cybersecurity function capable of supporting long-term growth while maintaining operational agility.Why Join PowerusThis is an opportunity to build the cybersecurity foundation of one of the fastest-growing companies in autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, and defense technology.You will work closely with executive leadership while helping protect the technologies, systems, people, and information that underpin the company's future growth. The role offers the opportunity to shape cybersecurity strategy, governance, and operations from the ground up while operating at the forefront of autonomy, manufacturing, and national security innovation.Powerus is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and strongly encourage veterans and those with experience in defense, aerospace, manufacturing, cybersecurity, and advanced technology industries to apply.