Executive Search · Aerospace, Defense & Space

When the Hire
Cannot Fail.

Six months open. Two firms already burned. A program slipping. That's when clients call us. EXO places the leaders that move the mission forward — in the Tier 1–3 DoD supplier market, PE-backed defense manufacturers, and commercial space.

Start a Search How We Work
60
Avg. days to placement
95%
Search completion rate
85%
Repeat client rate
96%
Candidate retention at 12 months
The EXO Way

Precision Over
Volume.

I've watched clients lose three months to recruiters who were still learning what EVMS stood for. Firms that posted the job, forwarded whatever came back, and called it a search.

That's not what we do. Eight years in this sector. One candidate market. A cleared network built through actual relationships — not a LinkedIn filter. When I run a search, I already know who the candidates are before I make the first call.

We say no to roughly a third of what comes through the door. Not because we're full — because if we can't win it, you don't need us wasting your time to find that out.

About EXO
Client Result
BU Director. 6 Weeks. Role Open 6 Months.

PE-backed defense manufacturer. Two firms had already failed. We closed it in six weeks. The candidate wasn't on a job board — they took my call.

Long-Term Impact
Controller Placed. President in 7 Years.

A Controller we placed at a closely held A&D manufacturer became President seven years later. That's what happens when you hire the right person, not just the available one.

Revenue Discipline
We Turn Down 1 in 3 Searches.

If we don't have the network depth to win, we'll tell you straight. That's not a flex — it's the only way to keep our track record worth something.

🔒

Trusted with Confidential Searches

Over half of our engagements involve confidential replacements, succession planning, or sensitive organizational changes. We operate with absolute discretion because the stakes demand it. When a PE operating partner needs a quiet leadership transition or a founder is planning succession before the board knows, EXO is the call they make.

📈

We Speak Private Equity

EXO understands the economics that drive PE-backed portfolio companies. From bolt-on integration timelines to EBITDA improvement mandates, we source leaders who deliver results within the compressed timelines private equity demands. We work with operating partners, board members, and portfolio company CEOs who need operators, not corporate refugees.

Sector Coverage

Where We Operate

This is the only market we work in. Every candidate relationship, every comp data point, every sector call comes from eight years of doing nothing else.

✈

Aerospace Structures & Systems

Airframe, propulsion, avionics, and navigation systems manufacturers across commercial and DoD platforms.

🛡

Defense Electronics & C4ISR

Sensors, radar, electronic warfare, and communications systems. Cleared and ITAR-controlled operators.

🚀

Space Systems & Satellite

Commercial space, satellite payload, and launch vehicle companies. Fast-moving market, thin leadership bench.

⚙

Advanced Manufacturing

Tier 1–3 DoD suppliers, precision machining, composites, and AS9100-certified manufacturers.

🔧

MRO & Sustainment

Maintenance, repair, and overhaul operators supporting DoD platforms and aging fleet programs.

🏭

PE-Backed Defense Operators

Portfolio companies mid-acquisition, post-earnout, or scaling leadership at $25M to $1B.

Engagement Models

Three Ways to
Work With EXO

The model depends on the role and what's at stake. We'll tell you which one fits on the first call.

01

Retained Executive Search

For VP, GM, and C-suite roles where getting it wrong isn't an option. Exclusive engagement. Full process from intake to 90-day follow-through. We own it start to finish.

Retained Search
02

Direct Hire

Director-level and below. Role is scoped, requirements are clear, and you need someone in seat. Four to six weeks, contingency structure, full screening on every candidate.

Direct Hire
03

Strategic Talent Advisory

Your search keeps failing and you're not sure why. Role scope is off, comp is under market, or the process is losing good candidates at the finish line. We fix it before you start another search.

Talent Advisory
The Process

Disciplined.
Every Search.

Three phases. Same process every time. Not because it's policy — because this is what separates a search that closes in six weeks from one that drags for six months.

01

Align

Before I source a single name, we nail the role. What it actually needs to accomplish. What the comp needs to be to close a passive candidate. Who makes the final call and whether they're aligned. Most searches fail here before they start.

02

Target

I map the candidate market and go direct. Not a job posting. Not a database blast. Direct outreach to people I already know, or the ones I need to find. Most of the best candidates aren't looking — that's why relationships matter.

03

Close

Two-tier screening before anything gets presented. A brief on every candidate — not just a resume. Offer structuring, counter-offer management, and post-placement check-ins. The search isn't done when the offer goes out.

The Founder

Built by a Practitioner

Alex Ganz
Alex Ganz
Founder & CEO · EXO Talent Partners

I spent four years building an A&D executive search practice inside a global firm. By the time I left, I had a clear picture of what the Tier 1–3 DoD supplier market needed — and what it wasn't getting.

Clients weren't losing searches because of bad luck. They were losing them because the recruiter didn't understand clearance requirements, couldn't benchmark comp in regulated markets, and didn't have relationships to reach passive candidates. Basic stuff. Expensive mistakes.

I founded EXO to fix that. Every search runs through me personally. You're not getting handed off three weeks in.

8 Years A&D Search 100+ Placements Global Firm Background Founded EXO · Jan 2026
What Clients & Candidates Say

Proven by Results

Alex leads a top 1% recruiting firm! This entire process took days not weeks or months. I'm working with him now to fill positions on my new team.

Brian T Wysocki, PMP — Business Leader

He is knowledgeable in his business sector and has the right connections. He nailed a great fitting position that was inline with my career vision. That shows he is playing the long term game for both parties.

Zachary Bowen — VP Sales, Turbopower LLC

What sets Alex apart is his remarkable attention to detail and his sincere commitment to helping others succeed. A true pleasure to work with.

Andrew Kim — Sales & BD, A&D & Military Programs

He helped me to align my experience and background with the requirements of the open position, and supported me every step of the way. Very accommodating and easy to work with.

Garrett Jarvis — Ops Manager, Data Device Corp

Alex Ganz is a consummate professional — knowledgeable, responsive, and a true pleasure to work with. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a reliable and skilled partner in his field.

Stephan Rottach — Global Chief Manufacturing Officer
15+
LinkedIn Recommendations
8
Years in A&D Search
95%
Search Completion Rate

Have a Role
That Can't Wait?

Tell us what you're working on. We'll give you a straight answer on fit within 24 hours — and if we're not the right call, we'll tell you that too.

Book a Conversation

Or reach out directly: alex@exotalentpartners.com