Chief of Staff, Aerospace & Defense Startup

Overview

Responsibilities

• Manage the executive office's priorities by filtering information and directing resources toward the highest-impact initiatives.
• Drive cross-departmental projects that do not have a natural home, such as new facility launches or international regulatory filings.
• Synthesize complex technical and financial data into briefing materials for board meetings and investor presentations.
• Facilitate the annual and quarterly strategic planning processes across engineering and operations teams.
• Lead special initiatives focused on government relations and the navigation of the defense acquisition process.
• Design and implement internal operating rhythms to improve communication and accountability across the organization.
• Act as a primary liaison between the executive team and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on key milestones.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in management consulting, venture capital, or high-growth technology operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and technical constraints.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills tailored for executive and technical audiences.
• Strong financial modeling and analytical capabilities to support data-driven decision making.
• An undergraduate degree in engineering, business, or a related field from a reputable institution.
• Eligibility to obtain a security clearance for access to classified government information.

Nice to have

• An MBA or advanced degree in a technical field related to aerospace or defense.
• Previous experience working within the Department of Defense or a prime defense contractor.
• Proven track record of scaling a startup from early-stage to a significant growth milestone.

Work environment

• Work is typically conducted on-site at high-security facilities or hardware labs to ensure physical security and team collaboration.
• The environment is fast-paced and mission-oriented, often involving irregular hours to meet critical government deadlines.
• Collaboration occurs with diverse teams including aerospace engineers, software developers, and government affairs specialists.
• Tools used include advanced project management software, financial modeling platforms, and secure communication systems.
• Frequent travel to test sites, government offices, and industry conferences is a standard component of the role.

Benefits & growth

• Compensation packages frequently include significant equity grants to align long-term incentives with company growth.
• The role offers a direct pathway to executive leadership positions such as Chief Operating Officer or General Manager.
• Opportunities for professional development include high-level networking with industry leaders and government officials.
• Performance bonuses are common and often tied to the successful attainment of major contracts or funding rounds.