Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Paragon is a Tucson-based aerospace and defense company developing life support and thermal control solutions for extreme environments-from space and undersea to high-altitude aviation. Founded by entrepreneurs and engineers, Paragon has delivered innovative, mission-critical technologies to government agencies, prime contractors, and research institutions for more than 32 years. The company is known for its program execution, patented technologies, and collaboration with NASA and commercial spaceflight providers. Its environmental control systems are technically rigorous, often low-volume and high-complexity, and designed for applications where failure is not an option. Paragon transitions from a founder-led structure and is building the institutional strength needed for sustainable, long-term growth. The workforce includes legacy staff with deep institutional knowledge and newer technical professionals with fresh capabilities. Leadership will continue aligning culture, accountability, and productivity across the company, while expanding project leadership capacity.

About the Role Paragon seeks a strategic, grounded, and forward-looking CEO to guide the company through its next stage of growth. This role is ideal for an experienced executive who can lead from the front-embedding structure, elevating execution, and stewarding long-term value. The CEO will be based full-time in Tucson and travel as needed to engage with customers, vendors, partners, and stakeholders. This role requires active presence with employees and programs and effective communication with internal and external audiences. During an initial transition period, the CEO will work closely with the Board and the Office of the CEO (OCEO). This is a role for a builder : someone who can lead both institutional maturation and innovation, and who can scale operational excellence without sacrificing Paragon's mission-driven culture.

Initial Priorities Build trust with employees, shareholders, and the Board through transparency, credibility, and communication. Evaluate operational performance and identify opportunities to align resources with priorities. Strengthen performance metrics and accountability frameworks across the organization. Advance the execution of Paragon's strategic plan with clear priorities and timelines.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Execution Refine and execute a strategic roadmap that supports long-term business value and market positioning. Ensure the organizational structure supports current objectives and future growth. Evaluate opportunities for strategic partnerships and long-term investment. Operational & Organizational Leadership Build and lead a high-performing executive team grounded in accountability, collaboration, and results. Promote strong financial stewardship, internal communication, and goal alignment across teams. Transition leadership responsibilities from the OCEO to the permanent executive team. Expand engineering and program management depth to improve delivery, mentorship, and cost control. Oversee hardware development lifecycle-from design through certification-for high-risk environments. Ensure compliance with all applicable aerospace and government standards. Board & Stakeholder Relations Serve as the principal liaison to the Board of Directors, providing transparent reporting and forward insight. Leverage the Board's expertise to inform governance and strategic direction. Business Development & Market Positioning Drive business development efforts or recruit and oversee a resolute leader for this function. Expand Paragon's market presence across government and commercial sectors. Build long-term customer relationships with NASA, prime contractors, and commercial aerospace firms. Represent Paragon externally in high-stakes industry, customer, and investor conversations.

Candidate Profile / Experience Executive leadership experience (CEO, GM, Division Head) in a mid-size technology, aerospace, or defense business. Demonstrated success in business development, program oversight, and customer relationship management. Experience scaling organizations, leading transformation, or stewarding growth-stage companies. History of Board engagement and shareholder reporting. Familiarity with M&A, strategic investment, or equity-backed environments preferred. Competency Strong executive presence and communication skills, both written and verbal. Structured, analytical thinker with fluency in business performance metrics and capital allocation. Collaborative leadership style with a focus on trust, accountability, and team development. Cultural Fit Comfortable in a founder-legacy organization where relationships, mission, and values matter. Pragmatic and grounded; can lead change, while respecting what works. Committed to Paragon's purpose and capable of championing its evolving culture. Desired Attributes Experience managing technically intensive programs under tight mission constraints. Familiarity with deployment in hostile or regulated environments (spaceflight, aerospace, defense). Record of balancing innovation and operational reliability in entrepreneurial settings. Compensation Paragon offers a competitive compensation package including base salary, performance-based bonus, equity, and potential long-term incentives.