Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operat ing Officer
City/State: Colorado Springs, CO USA
Type and Schedule: Full-Time, Salary/Exempt , On-Site
Annualized Salary Range: $ 181,688 - $ 305,864 ( commensurate with experience ) .
About Us: Caliola is a woman-owned small business that is improving and protecting our Nation's way of life through secure collaboration and resilient communications. Our engineers, subject matter experts, and veterans are developing and delivering trusted solutions for mission-critical communications. We seek teammates who share our core values:
I 3 for C 3 - Insight, Innovation, and Integrity for Command, Control, and Communications
These values guide how we work every day. At Caliola, you will find technically challenging, mission-focused work within a flexible and collaborative culture that is uncommon in the defense industry. We offer flexible PTO, subsidized health insurance, 401(k) matching, professional development, and a competitive compensation structure designed to support long-term growth.
Our performance has driven rapid growth and national recognition, being named twice to the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ and inclusion on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies. We have also been recognized as a Colorado Company to Watch, a ColoradoBiz Top Company in Aerospace & Defense, and the #2 Gazette's Best Workplace (medium size) in 2025.
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO, we operate in a leading aerospace and defense hub with proximity to major military installations. Set against the Rocky Mountains, the region offers year-round outdoor recreation and a high quality of life for professionals and families considering relocation.
As a part of our selection process, we ask all applicants to complete a short, 10-12-minute survey from Culture Index. This is a survey, not a test; no passing or failing. The purpose of this survey is to identify your unique strengths as they relate to our open positions. Please copy and paste the following link into a separate browser window to complete: https://go.cultureindex.com/s/5i6Gpe3wge
Position Description: The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will translate the CEO's strategic vision into actionable, day-to-day operations across Caliola. This executive leader is tasked with driving operational efficiency, fostering key talent, and ensuring rigorous adherence to the security and compliance standards vital for the defense sector . The COO's primary mandate is to oversee Caliola's core operational pillars-Business Development, Engineering, and Business Operations-ensuring seamless alignment with the company's strategic growth targets, financial objectives , and established core values.
Essential Responsibilities:

• Execute the CEO's strategic vision by leading day-to-day operations across Caliola within the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), ensuring alignment between strategy, execution, and results.
• Provide Leadership, Management, and Accountability (LMA) for the key business unit leaders , ensuring consistent execution, performance accountability, and cross-functional alignment.
• Drive sustainable, year-over-year revenue and profit growth while maintaining operational discipline, risk management, and compliance within the defense contracting environment.
• Own profit and loss (P&L) performance and overall financial health, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and margin performance, to include adherence and compliance with GAAP and CAS (as applicable) .
• Ensure compliant and competitive cost structure and pricing strategies, including indirect rate management, cost recovery, and readiness for audits by Defense Contract Audit Agency ( DCAA ) and other oversight bodies.
• Lead continuous improvement of enterprise-wide operational processes, with emphasis on scalability, efficiency, and integration across functional organizations.
• Oversee and maintain best in class employee benefits, to include professional development to drive employee retention and maintain low turnover.
• Develop, mentor, and retain senior leaders, reinforcing Caliola's core values and building organizational dep th to support growth and pro ject execution.
• Oversee quality management systems and assurance activities (e.g., AS9100, ISO), ensuring consistent delivery of high-reliability products and services.
• Ensure strong supply chain, contract, and subcontract management to meet cost, quality, and security requirements.
• Direct operational, physical, and information security programs, including Caliola's secure spaces, secure networks, facility clearance, and personnel security processes.
• Ensure enterprise compliance with applicable government regulations and standards, including but not limited to ITAR/EAR, FAR, DFARS, NISPOM, CUI handling requirements, and CMMC.
• Serve as the primary operational interface with US Government customers, Contracting Officers, Defense Contract Management Agency ( DCMA ) , DCAA and Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency ( DCSA ) .
• Ensure operational readiness and scalability of the primary Caliola business systems (e.g., Accounting, Purchasing , Government Property, Estimating, Earned Value Management, and Material Management and Accounting Systems), contract vehicles, cleared facilities, personnel security clearances, and company certifications.

What We Require :

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related work experience.
• Prior experience in a n executive role at a Department of War ( Do W ) contractor.
• Deep understanding of D oW contracting , program delivery, the federal acquisition process, and its impact on business operations.
• A strong understanding of the relevant high-tech domains (e.g., military satellite and secure communications) to effectively lead technical teams and make informed decisions.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage challenging situations with grace and professionalism.
• Demonstrated trustworthiness, sound judgment, and unquestionable loyalty to the U.S. are paramount due to the sensitive nature of the work .
• Ability to effectively lead a geographically distributed team from Caliola's headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO.
• Must be able to obtain a US Top Secret security clearance.

What We Value :

• MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related work experience.
• Master of Business Administration or Doctor of Law.
• Active US Secret or Top-Secret security clearance.
• Strong grounding in EOS or a similar operational framework .
• Prior military service.

Minimum Physical Requirements:

• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and transition between the two as required .
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and navigate stairs or uneven surfaces during site visits.
• Dexterity to grasp, handle, and manipulate small items such as laptops, cellphones, USB drives, business cards, and documents.
• Ability to travel periodically, including by car or airplane, to company sites, customer locations, and strategic meetings.
• Ability to maintain focus and attention to detail during extended operational, financial, and strategic planning sessions.

Please contact Human Resources with questions about ADA accommodations.
Expression of Interest: By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities at Caliola Engineering. Should a match be identified between your skillset and Caliola's requirements for this or a future opening, you may be contacted.
At Caliola, we believe that true innovation can only occur when teammates bring their authentic selves to collaborate in a supportive, encouraging environment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.
Caliola participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system used to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. Upon hire, all employees are required to complete Form I-9 to verify their identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States.
All candidates will be required to pass a basic background screening.