Dustin Hicks, Head of Growth at Aurelius Systems

In this episode we speak with Dustin Hicks, Head of Growth at Aurelius Systems, about directed energy, counter UAS, and accelerating defence innovation.Dustin shares his non traditional path from US Army military intelligence to defence acquisition, and how early exposure to uncrewed systems shaped his career. He reflects on urgent operational needs, rapid fielding, and the difference between risk aversion and responsible risk taking inside government.The conversation explores why venture backed defence startups are gaining momentum, how fail fast testing shortens development cycles, and why directed energy changes the economics of air defence through low cost per effect and deep magazine capacity.Dustin also explains what young engineers should focus on today, from software centric systems to system of systems thinking, and why adaptability is now a core skill in defence technology.The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.