Jake Lahmann CEO & Co-Founder, MAXSUR · Pioneer in UAS, ISR & Surveillance Technologies

Jacob “Jake” Lahmann is a career technologist, operator, and executive specializing in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and mission-critical sensing technologies. As CEO & Co-Founder of MAXSUR, he leads the development and deployment of surveillance and intelligence solutions for law enforcement, homeland security, defense, and critical infrastructure customers.

Across more than two decades, Jake has helped bring multiple first-of-kind UAS and surveillance capabilities from concept to operational deployment—shaping how agencies investigate incidents, inspect infrastructure, and convert sensor data into actionable decisions.

Operational Foundations in Law Enforcement & Military Service

Jake’s approach to surveillance and intelligence is grounded in real-world operations. He served as a United States Army Military Police Officer, supporting missions that included law-and-order operations at Fort Hood, Texas; drug enforcement with Task Force Grizzly in San Diego; humanitarian and refugee operations during Operation Sea Signal in Cuba; and search-and-rescue efforts during the Great Flood of St. Louis.

These experiences shaped a practical, consequence-driven perspective on surveillance—where technology must support human decision-making under pressure, uncertainty, and risk. Jake was awarded the U.S. Army Commendation Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal for his service.

Following military service, Jake continued working directly with operators as a Training Officer for the Waelder Police Department in Texas, reinforcing his belief that technology delivers value only when paired with training, discipline, and clear operational procedures.

Surveillance & ISR Innovation

Jake has held senior leadership roles across multiple surveillance and security technology organizations, focusing on integrating sensors, communications, software, and workflows into cohesive operational systems.

In executive roles at Supercircuits and Observint, he supported the development of covert ISR systems, OEM imaging payloads, robotics-based sensing platforms, and government-focused surveillance solutions—bridging the gap between manufacturers and mission users.

As COO and later CEO & Co-Founder of MAXSUR, Jake led the development of several landmark capabilities, including:

• The first commercially available EO/IR UAS platform (SEEKER)
• The first UAS-based 3D crime scene reconstruction system
• Nationwide public safety UAS training programs
• The Hornet, a digital CI/UC body-wire and covert audio system

These programs helped redefine how law enforcement and investigative teams capture, analyze, preserve, and present visual evidence.

Scaling UAS & ISR for Critical Infrastructure

As Director of Innovation at Valmont Industries, Jake expanded his focus to enterprise-scale UAS deployment for critical infrastructure owners and operators. He led the creation of UAS-based asset management services supporting utilities, telecommunications providers, and infrastructure portfolios across North America.

His work included the development of:

• ASCEND, one of the nation’s first UAS certification programs for infrastructure inspection
• AI/ML models for automated visual inspection of infrastructure assets
• Robotic aerial systems such as WaterDragon and Coating Dragon for energized asset maintenance
• Standards contributions influencing ANSI, OSHA, and TIA acceptance of drones in telecom inspection

Jake also led teams that achieved two consecutive world-record inspection flights over critical infrastructure (77 miles and 183 miles) and contributed to OnePass, an autonomous UAS navigation and data-capture system.

Thought Leadership & Industry Influence

Jake is a frequent author and speaker on UAS program development, ISR workflows, AI-enabled inspection, and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies. His work helps organizations move from experimentation to repeatable, compliant, and mission-ready operations.

Education

• MBA – Bellevue University
• Bachelor of Science – Western Governors University of Texas
• Professional Certificate – Product Management & Agile Project Management

Leadership That Connects Strategy to Execution

Today, as CEO & Co-Founder of MAXSUR, Jake guides the company’s surveillance, UAS, and intelligence strategy—ensuring solutions are operationally relevant, technically sound, and aligned with real-world mission demands.

His work continues to bridge tactical realities with strategic outcomes, helping organizations deploy sensing technologies that deliver measurable, defensible, and lasting value.