📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Head of Growth
🔹 Company: Mach Industries
🔹 Location: Huntington Beach, California, USA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Defense & Space
🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Building and scaling a high-performance growth function combining talent acquisition, culture-building, and strategic, brand-driven outreach campaigns.
- Operating as a player/coach, setting the vision and actively involved in execution.
- Creating unconventional, high-impact strategies to drive company growth.
- Working closely with every function to anticipate growth needs and shape hiring roadmaps.
- Cultivating strategic relationships with schools and industry partners to create a dynamic pipeline of top-tier talent.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and adaptability to thrive in ambiguity and move fast in a rapidly growing startup environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Plan, develop, and execute differentiated strategies that drive company growth through recruiting, branding, outreach, and cultural alignment.
✅ Design and lead end-to-end talent acquisition systems that scale with speed and precision, from shop floor to senior leadership.
✅ Cultivate strategic relationships with schools and industry partners to create a dynamic pipeline of top-tier talent.
✅ Build and lead a high-performing team focused on proactive outreach, mission-first storytelling, and relationship-based recruiting.
✅ Develop and own KPIs and metrics that go beyond traditional benchmarks—emphasizing speed, quality, cultural fit, and long-term impact.
✅ Partner with leadership across all functions to anticipate growth needs and shape hiring roadmaps that unlock execution.
✅ Stay current on market trends in compensation, benefits, and equity—ensuring offers remain competitive and compelling.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the defense industry, its unique challenges, and the need for a robust talent pipeline to support rapid growth.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Human Resources, Marketing) or equivalent experience.
Experience: 5+ years of experience operating in a startup or high-growth environment where systems and strategies had to be built from the ground up.
Required Skills:
- Proven ability to scale and lead high-performance teams.
- Must be able to coach, train, and work effectively through others, but willing to be hands-on to accomplish the mission.
- Data-driven, highly organized, and experienced in managing budgets and making decisions based on metrics.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in defense, aerospace, complex manufacturing, or other highly regulated, IP-intensive industries.
- Experience designing and leading employer branding or talent marketing campaigns.
- Demonstrated ability to act as a culture-builder—shaping company values and aligning teams through conventional and unconventional means.
- Deep relationships within target industry networks, universities, or strategic recruiting pipelines.
ASSUMPTION: Given the unique nature of the defense industry, candidates with experience in related fields may have an advantage in understanding the specific challenges and requirements of this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $200,000 - $300,000 per year (based on the provided range and industry standards for similar roles)
Benefits:
- Health Insurance
- Retirement Plans
- Professional Development
- Equity Grants
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours and the need to work occasional evenings and weekends as required.
ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is an estimate based on market research and industry standards for similar roles in the defense industry. Actual offers may vary based on factors such as work experience, education, and critical skills.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Mach Industries operates in the defense and space industry, focusing on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms.
Company Size: Mach Industries is a rapidly growing startup with approximately 120 employees, operating with startup agility and ambition.
Founded: Mach Industries was founded in 2022, with a mission to deliver scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies.
Company Description:
- Mach Industries is committed to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.
- The company operates with a vision to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security.
- Mach Industries is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, offering equal opportunities for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic.
Company Specialties:
- Next-generation autonomous defense platforms
- Cutting-edge manufacturing
- Innovation at speed
- National security
Company Website: machindustries.com
ASSUMPTION: Mach Industries' focus on innovation, growth, and national security makes it an attractive opportunity for candidates seeking to make a significant impact in the defense industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the CEO or another C-level executive.
Reporting Structure: The Head of Growth will lead a small, agile team responsible for talent acquisition, culture-building, and strategic outreach campaigns.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the expectation of working from the Huntington Beach, California office. However, there may be opportunities for remote work or hybrid arrangements, depending on the specific needs of the role and the company's policies.
Growth Opportunities:
- As Mach Industries continues to grow, there will be opportunities for the Head of Growth to expand their team and take on additional responsibilities.
- With success in this role, there may be opportunities to advance to a more senior leadership position, such as Chief Human Resources Officer or Chief of Staff.
- The defense industry offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development, both within Mach Industries and across the broader industry.
ASSUMPTION: Given the rapid growth and ambitious goals of Mach Industries, this role presents significant opportunities for career growth and impact.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Mach Industries operates a single office in Huntington Beach, California.
Office Location(s): 17777 Fitch Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, USA
Geographic Context:
- Huntington Beach is a coastal city in Orange County, California, with a population of approximately 200,000 people.
- The city offers a high quality of life, with a mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and numerous recreational opportunities.
- Huntington Beach is located approximately 35 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, providing easy access to the city's cultural attractions and international airport.
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is full-time, with the expectation of working standard business hours Monday through Friday. However, the nature of the role may require occasional evening or weekend work to meet deadlines or attend industry events.
ASSUMPTION: The Huntington Beach office provides a collaborative and innovative work environment, with easy access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications.
- In-depth behavioral and situational interviews to evaluate problem-solving skills, leadership potential, and cultural alignment.
- Final interview with the CEO or another C-level executive to discuss the role's fit within the organization's strategic goals.
- Background check and reference checks, as required.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership potential and team-building abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with Mach Industries' mission and values
- Industry knowledge and understanding of the defense sector
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in high-growth environments, team leadership, and data-driven decision-making.
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to building and scaling talent acquisition systems, as well as your experience with employer branding or talent marketing campaigns.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the defense industry and its unique challenges, as well as your ability to thrive in an ambiguous and fast-paced environment.
ATS Keywords: Talent Acquisition, Culture Building, Strategic Outreach, Team Leadership, Data-Driven Decision Making, Relationship Building, Employer Branding, Market Trend Analysis, Defense Industry, National Security, Rapid Growth, Startup Environment
ASSUMPTION: Mach Industries' hiring process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, leadership potential, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best possible fit for the organization's long-term success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Applicant Tracking Systems (e.g., Greenhouse, Lever, Workable)
- Recruiting Software (e.g., LinkedIn Recruiter, Indeed, ZipRecruiter)
- Data Analysis Tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics, Tableau)
- Project Management Software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used in this role may vary depending on the company's existing infrastructure and the candidate's preferred platforms.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation: Mach Industries values employees who think creatively and challenge the status quo to drive progress.
- Agility: The company appreciates team members who can adapt quickly to change and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaboration: Mach Industries fosters a culture of teamwork and mutual support to achieve its ambitious goals.
Work Style:
- Mission-driven: Employees at Mach Industries are passionate about the company's mission to redefine the future of warfare and protect global security.
- Results-oriented: The company values team members who focus on delivering tangible results and driving meaningful impact.
- Adaptable: Mach Industries appreciates employees who can pivot quickly and embrace new challenges as the company grows and evolves.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in ambiguous environments and enjoy the challenge of building systems from the ground up?
- Are you passionate about the defense industry and committed to driving its strategic capabilities?
- Do you possess strong leadership skills and the ability to coach and mentor team members to achieve their full potential?
ASSUMPTION: Mach Industries' culture is characterized by innovation, agility, and collaboration, with a strong focus on driving results and achieving its mission.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The fast-paced and rapidly growing nature of the startup environment may present challenges in terms of managing competing priorities and adapting to change.
- The defense industry's unique regulations and IP-intensive nature may require additional attention to detail and a strong understanding of the sector's specific requirements.
- The need to build and scale a high-performance growth function from scratch may present challenges in terms of resource allocation and prioritization.
- The on-site nature of the role may require candidates to relocate or commute to the Huntington Beach office, which may present logistical challenges.
ASSUMPTION: While these challenges may present obstacles, they also offer opportunities for growth and learning in a dynamic and innovative environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to traditional HR or recruiting roles, the Head of Growth position at Mach Industries places a greater emphasis on strategic thinking, innovation, and driving company growth through unconventional means.
- In the defense industry, this role is unique in its focus on combining talent acquisition, culture-building, and strategic outreach campaigns to drive growth and enhance the company's competitive position.
- Career paths in the defense industry may vary depending on the specific organization and its strategic goals. However, successful performance in this role may lead to opportunities for advancement to more senior leadership positions or roles within related industries.
ASSUMPTION: The Head of Growth role at Mach Industries is a unique and innovative position, offering candidates the opportunity to make a significant impact in the defense industry while driving the company's rapid growth and success.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive employer branding campaign to enhance Mach Industries' reputation within the defense industry and attract top-tier talent.
- Designing and implementing a data-driven talent acquisition system that scales with the company's rapid growth and ensures a consistent pipeline of qualified candidates.
- Building and leading a high-performing team responsible for proactive outreach, mission-first storytelling, and relationship-based recruiting, with a focus on cultivating strategic relationships with schools and industry partners.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, innovative, and data-driven approach required to succeed in the Head of Growth role at Mach Industries.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's long-term vision for growth and how this role fits into that strategy?
- How does Mach Industries support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in this role?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how will success be measured?
- How does Mach Industries approach diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what initiatives are in place to foster a culture of belonging?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the defense industry, and how does Mach Industries plan to address them?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to assess the company's long-term vision, commitment to employee growth, and approach to industry challenges, as well as the candidate's fit within the organization's culture and strategic goals.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in high-growth environments, team leadership, and data-driven decision-making, as well as your understanding of the defense industry and its unique challenges.
- Prepare for your interviews by researching Mach Industries' mission, values, and culture, as well as the specific requirements of the role and the defense industry as a whole.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to express your continued interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications and fit with the organization's strategic goals.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
