Head of Communications
About The Position
Karman Industries is seeking a Head of Communications to own the company’s communications strategy from end to end, both internally and externally. The leader will ensure the team understands the company’s direction and that customers, industry, investors, and government understand Karman’s mission and impact. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for establishing the communications narrative and building the function from the ground up, while personally executing communications work as the team grows. The role works directly with the executive team and partners closely with Engineering, Business Development, and Operations to turn technical progress into clear, compelling stories. Karman Industries, founded in 2024 and headquartered in Gardena, California, is working to electrify global thermal systems across data centers, manufacturing, and energy industries. Its Heat Processing Unit is built around a supercritical CO2 chiller system and high-speed electrically driven turbomachinery. The company says its system aims to reduce data-center thermal-management energy consumption by more than 25% and increase energy density tenfold. The Head of Communications will lead internal communications, external messaging and relationships, marketing, events, and communications operations. The role includes building and leading the communications team as the company grows.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- 10+ years of experience in marketing and communications, including leading corporate, external, and internal communications for a technology, industrial, energy, aerospace, or defense company.
- Proven track record owning communications end to end, including internal communications, press and media relations, announcements, and events.
- Experience planning and executing trade shows, conferences, and executive speaking engagements.
- Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce clear, precise material quickly.
- Ability to learn complex technical subject matter and communicate it accurately to varied audiences.
- Highly self-motivated and detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment with minimal structure.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with executives, engineers, customers, and external partners.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
- Experience in high-growth hardware, deep tech, or industrial startups.
- Background supporting investor relations, fundraising communications, or board material preparation.
- Experience working with government stakeholders or regulated industries.
- Knowledge or background in energy, thermal systems, data centers, or advanced manufacturing.
- Experience building marketing or communications teams from the ground up.
- Proficiency with branding, web, content, and social tools, CRM, and marketing analytics.
- Experience in crisis and executive communications.
Responsibilities
- Own the internal communications strategy and maintain alignment on company direction weekly, monthly, and quarterly.
- Communicate company goals, priorities, and milestones and keep them visible and current as the company scales.
- Establish operating rhythms, including all-hands meetings, leadership updates, and regular written communications.
- Lead external communications with customers, industry, investors, and government.
- Develop and maintain messaging, positioning, and brand identity for all audiences.
- Support investor relations communications in collaboration with Finance and the executive team.
- Prepare materials and messaging for government and public-sector engagement at federal, state, and local levels.
- Build relationships with press, analysts, and industry influencers.
- Plan and execute company announcements covering product milestones, partnerships, funding, facilities, and hiring.
- Support trade show and conference strategy, including selection, budget, booth presence, and follow-up.
- Identify and secure executive speaking opportunities and prepare talking points, presentations, and briefings.
- Lead marketing across web, content, collateral, video, and social channels.
- Translate complex technical topics into accurate, accessible content for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Define success metrics, manage the budget, and select and manage agencies, contractors, and vendors.
- Build and lead the communications team as the company grows.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
