Chief of Staff to CEO - Strategic Initiatives

Role Overview

We are seeking a technically strong, resourceful leader for the Chief of Staff and Strategic Initiatives role to drive strategic priorities and complex cross-functional initiatives. The ideal candidate brings hands-on Operations Program Management (OPM) or Engineering Program Management (EPM) experience, with strategy, business, and broader operations experience a strong plus.

They combine sound technical judgment, business acumen, and an ownership mindset to navigate challenging internal and external situations, develop practical solutions, and drive teams to clear outcomes quickly. Prior founder, CEO, or COO experience at a high-growth startup is a significant advantage.

This is an in-office role five days per week.

What you'll be doing

• Lead high-priority technical, strategic, and operational initiatives for the CEO from ambiguity through execution and measurable results.
• Work across engineering, product, manufacturing, operations, and commercial sales teams to resolve blockers, align priorities, and drive decisions.
• Navigate sensitive customer, supplier, partner, and internal escalations; identify practical solutions and ensure accountability and follow-through.
• Analyze complex technical and business issues, anticipate risks, and provide concise recommendations to the CEO, the CTO and leadership team.
• Step in as a hands-on program leader when needed to accelerate critical outcomes.
• Ability to travel up to 10% as needed.

What you'll have

• 7+ years in program leadership, engineering, operations, or similarly execution-intensive roles, including hands-on OPM, EPM, or TPM experience.
• Strong technical foundation and experience delivering complex hardware programs from development through launch;
• B.S. degree in engineering or similar hands-on development experience required
• Experience in fast-paced, high-growth technology environments, with strong cross-functional leadership, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in advanced hardware, sensing, LiDAR, robotics, autonomy, or data center/optical technologies strongly preferred.
• Exceptional ability to influence without authority, manage external stakeholders, and translate complexity into clear decisions and outcomes.

What's in it for you

• Be part of a fast-paced and dynamic team
• Very competitive compensation and meaningful stock grants
• Exceptional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more
• Unlimited PTO