Looking for a job

Yusuf Can

@yusufcan96

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I lead international defence programmes, integrating complex multi-supplier systems from planning through delivery.

Turkey

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What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead international defence and aerospace programmes where I can combine complex systems integration, client delivery, business development and government or military stakeholder engagement.

Multilingual Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager with hands-on experience across the defense and aerospace sectors, specializing in international projects, business development, and strategic communications.

Currently a Project Manager at Pavo Group, leading the delivery of a strategic international defense program and coordinating cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and partner organizations.

Previously held senior roles in business development and defense communications, supporting market expansion, partnerships, and export-oriented growth for Turkish defense companies, while representing the Turkish defense and aerospace industry across 10+ countries.

Fluent in Arabic, Turkish, and English, with broad international market exposure. Driven by strategic thinking, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Project Manager

Current

Pavo Group

Mar 2025 - Present (1 year 6 months)

Leads end-to-end delivery of a two-year, multimillion-dollar international strategic defence programme, managing integration of multiple independent systems from different suppliers. Directs cross-functional teams and serves as primary point of contact for military institutions and clients.

Project Management Program Management Systems Integrations Cross functional Leadership Stakeholder Management IFS Microsoft Project Jira

Account Manager

Pavo Group

Oct 2024 - Feb 2025 (4 months)

Managed key client relationships and commercial activities for strategic international defence programmes, building in-depth knowledge of scope and stakeholder requirements. Promoted to Project Manager within five months.

Key Account Management Commercial Coordination Stakeholder Management Defense Industry

Business Development Specialist

Robit Technology

Jun 2024 - Oct 2024 (4 months)

Opened new market channels in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan within a four-month tenure. Built diplomatic and institutional relationships with embassies and led corporate communications.

Business Development Market Entry Corporate Communications Relationship Building Aerospace and Defense

Head of Business Development

Eddifa (Defensehere.com)

Aug 2020 - Jun 2024 (3 years 10 months)

Led business development for a defence consultancy connecting Turkish defence firms with global markets. Supported 20+ defence companies and represented the company at exhibitions in 11 countries.

Business Development Market Research Market Entry Marketing Defense Industry Event Management Media

Producer

TRT Arabi

Jan 2022 - Mar 2023 (1 year 2 months)

Produced content for the Arabic-language channel of Türkiye's public broadcaster using video/photo editing and trilingual skills.

Video Editing Photo Editor Content Production Arabic Turkish English

Projects Coordinator

Genkom A.Ş.

Sep 2018 - Jun 2020 (1 year 9 months)

Coordinated PR and communications projects for defence companies, producing content, press releases, and marketing materials. Managed social media channels for the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) and edited a defence magazine.

Public Relations Communication Skills Content Creation Social Media Management Editing Defense Industry

Foreign Trade Assistant

Orijin Pet Ürünleri San. Tic. Ltd. Şti.

Jan 2018 - Jun 2020 (2 years 5 months)

Supported foreign trade and international business activities on a freelance basis, applying MÜSİAD export training.

Foreign Trade International Business Export

Tour Guide

Sager Travel

Jun 2016 - Aug 2018 (2 years 2 months)

Seasonal tour guide during summers.

Tourism Customer Service

English Teacher

Prestige English

Jan 2017 - Dec 2017 (11 months)

Taught English part-time.

Teaching English

Mechanical Engineering Intern

Kenar Mühendislik

Sep 2017 - Oct 2017 (1 month)

Contributed to a Split-Hopkinson pressure bar project commissioned by Ankara University.

Mechanical Engineering Research

Engineering Intern

Benha Electronics

Jan 2016 - Dec 2016 (11 months)

Engineering internship in the defence industry.

Engineering Intern

Misr Spinning and Weaving Company

Jan 2016 - Dec 2016 (11 months)

Engineering internship.

Engineering Intern

GİLDEMAK

Jan 2015 - Dec 2015 (11 months)

Engineering internship in production machinery.

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University

MSc studies, Defence Technologies

2019 -

Grade: 3.85 / 4.00

Completed all coursework with GPA 3.85/4.00 in an English evening programme; degree not conferred due to work commitments. Thesis research published in the International Marmara Sciences Congress (IMASCON Autumn 2022) Proceedings Book.

University of Turkish Aeronautical Association

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

2013 - 2018

BSc in Mechanical Engineering with 100% scholarship and English programme. Graduation project on active vibration control of an aircraft wing model using piezoelectric actuators.