Question 1

What is ALAC HR Solutions?

Accepted Answer

ALAC HR Solutions is a veteran-owned executive and technical search firm focused exclusively on defense tech, deep tech, aerospace, autonomy, AI infrastructure, and adjacent sectors. We place senior leaders and critical technical hires at pre-IPO companies that cannot afford a bad hire.

Question 2

What does "operator-led" mean?

Accepted Answer

It means every search is run by people who have operated inside the industries we recruit for -- not career recruiters who learned the vocabulary last quarter. Our team brings firsthand context to candidate evaluation, client advising, and fit assessment.

Question 3

Is ALAC really veteran-owned?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ALAC was founded by a U.S. military veteran and that perspective shapes how we work -- with rigor, accountability, and a bias toward mission fit over resume polish.

Question 4

What sectors do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We work with companies in defense tech, aerospace, space, autonomous systems, AI and machine learning infrastructure, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and dual-use deep tech. If your company sits at the intersection of national security and emerging technology, we are likely a strong fit.

Question 5

What company stages do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We primarily work with Series A through pre-IPO companies, though we also engage with well-funded seed-stage teams when the search complexity warrants it. Most of our clients are between 20 and 500 employees and growing fast.

Question 6

What services does ALAC offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer four core services: Operator-Led Search for targeted senior placements, Executive Search for C-suite and VP-level roles, Embedded Recruiting for ongoing hiring capacity, and Military-to-Civilian Hiring including SkillBridge program support.

Question 7

What is the difference between retained search and embedded recruiting?

Accepted Answer

Retained search is a project-based engagement where we own one specific role from kickoff to placement. Embedded recruiting is a fractional model where we integrate into your team and run all open roles over a defined period, usually three to six months.

Question 8

How fast can you fill a role?

Accepted Answer

Our average time-to-shortlist is under 14 days and time-to-offer is typically 28 to 42 days for senior roles. Timelines vary based on clearance requirements, role specificity, and client decision speed -- but we build urgency into every engagement from day one.

Question 9

Do you handle clearance requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with roles requiring active TS/SCI, TS, Secret, and Public Trust clearances. We screen for clearance eligibility and active clearance status during the intake process and will not present candidates who do not meet your stated requirements.

Question 10

What is your placement guarantee?

Accepted Answer

We offer a 12-month replacement guarantee on all retained placements. If a placed candidate leaves or is let go within 12 months for reasons related to fit, we will re-run the search at no additional fee.

Question 11

How does SkillBridge work and can you help set it up?

Accepted Answer

SkillBridge is a DoD program that allows transitioning service members to intern with civilian employers for up to 180 days before separation at no cost to the employer. We help defense tech and deep tech companies build and manage their SkillBridge programs from scratch.

Question 12

How does ALAC charge for its services?

Accepted Answer

Retained search is priced as a percentage of first-year compensation, with a portion due at kickoff and the remainder at placement. Embedded recruiting is a flat monthly retainer. Exact rates depend on scope and are discussed during a discovery call.

Question 13

Is ALAC more expensive than a generalist firm?

Accepted Answer

Our fees are in line with the market for specialized search firms. The value case is different: a generalist firm may present faster but with lower-quality matches. A bad senior hire at a pre-IPO company can cost two to five times salary in lost time, re-org costs, and damage to team culture. We are priced for clients who understand that math.

Question 14

What does the engagement process look like?

Accepted Answer

It starts with a 30-minute discovery call to confirm fit. If we move forward, we conduct a deep intake session to define the role, team dynamics, and success metrics. We then build a target list, reach out to passive candidates, and present a vetted shortlist within two weeks. You interview, we advise, and we close.

Question 15

Do you work on contingency?

Accepted Answer

We do not take contingency-only assignments for senior roles. Contingency structures incentivize speed over fit, which is the wrong trade-off when you are hiring a VP of Engineering or Head of Business Development at a defense tech company. We work retained because it aligns incentives around the right outcome.

Question 16

What information do you need to get started?

Accepted Answer

A job description is a starting point but not required upfront. More useful is an honest conversation about the problem you are trying to solve, the team the hire will join, the non-negotiables, and what has failed in past hiring attempts. The intake session is where we build the real search brief.

Question 17

I am a candidate. How do I get in front of ALAC clients?

Accepted Answer

Submit your profile through our candidate intake form at alachrsolutions.com/candidates/apply. We review every submission and reach out when there is a relevant open role.

Question 18

Do you work with candidates transitioning out of the military?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We actively source and place transitioning veterans and service members, including through SkillBridge. If you are within 180 days of separation and interested in defense tech or deep tech roles, we want to hear from you.

Question 19

Do you charge candidates a fee?

Accepted Answer

Never. Candidates pay nothing. Our fees are always paid by the client company. We will never charge you to submit a profile, interview, or be placed.

Question 20

What happens to my information when I submit a profile?

Accepted Answer

Your information is used solely to evaluate you for open roles and to contact you about opportunities. We do not sell or share your data with third parties outside of client engagements where you have been presented as a candidate.

Everything You Need to Know About Working With ALAC

About ALAC

Services and Engagements

Pricing and Process

For Candidates

The Search Starts When You Are Ready