Country Director — Ukraine | CAFA Tech
Position Overview
CAFA Tech, an Estonian company with a strong background in defense R&D (EDF, Horizon, NATO), specializing in high-voltage DC tethered UAV systems for defense applications, seeks an exceptional leader to establish and grow our Ukrainian operations. This founding team member will build our entire Ukrainian presence from the ground up, creating a successful technology company serving the Ukrainian Armed Forces with critical ISR, communications relay, and EW capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Military Relations
- Establish and maintain relationships with Ukrainian Armed Forces units, procurement offices, and defense ministry officials
- Navigate military procurement processes and secure contracts for tethered UAV systems
- Coordinate product demonstrations and trials with military units
- Ensure products reach frontline units efficiently and effectively

Operations Setup
- Establish local production and assembly capabilities for tethered UAV systems
- Implement quality control and testing procedures meeting military specifications
- Set up 2nd line technical support infrastructure (with military units handling 1st line)
- Manage Ukrainian codification processes for defense products
- Oversee supply chain and logistics for 120m tether systems and power modules

Team Building & Leadership
- Recruit and build local team members across marketing, sales, production, and technical support
- Develop Ukrainian R&D capabilities for product localization and enhancement
- Create training programs for military operators and support personnel
- Foster a high-performance culture aligned with defense sector requirements

Strategic Growth
- Develop go-to-market strategy for Ukrainian defense market
- Identify opportunities for product adaptation to Ukrainian operational needs
- Build partnerships with local defense contractors and technology companies
- Represent CAFA Tech at defense exhibitions and military conferences

Required Qualifications
Essential
- Proven relationships with Ukrainian Armed Forces and defense establishment
- Technical background (engineering, electronics, or UAV systems preferred)
- Fluent English and Ukrainian; working knowledge of Russian
- Experience with defense procurement and military supply chains
- Willingness and permission to travel extensively (30−40% including to abroad and Ukrainian field locations)

Highly Desired
- Previous experience in defense technology or UAV industry
- Track record of building businesses or teams from scratch
- Network within Ukrainian defense innovation ecosystem
- Background in military service

Personal Attributes
- Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to operate independently
- High integrity and security consciousness
- Resilient and adaptable to challenging environments
- Strong problem-solver who can navigate complex bureaucracies
- Passionate about strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities

What We Offer
- Opportunity to build a strategic defense technology business
- Significant autonomy and decision-making authority
- Competitive compensation package
- Direct impact on Ukraine’s defense capabilities
- Support from Estonian headquarters and technical teams

Location
Based in Lviv with frequent travel to military units, production facilities in Ukraine and abroad.

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