Chief of Staff to the CTO
Posted on August 25, 2025 (about 7 hours ago)
Who We Are
At Firestorm, we are on a mission to revolutionize the way defense solutions are designed and delivered by empowering the U.S. and allied nations to deter aggressors effectively through innovative, cost-effective technologies. Our vision is "democratized deterrence." As a VC-backed company situated between defense and Silicon Valley, we are pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles focused on operator effectiveness and aiming to disrupt the traditional defense procurement model by providing world-class capabilities at a reduced cost.
About The Role
The Chief of Staff to the CTO is a critical, high-trust, and strategic role supporting the Co-Founder and CTO across a variety of responsibilities. This position ensures alignment, execution, and momentum for the company’s technical priorities, including advanced additive manufacturing, autonomy, hardware, product, and software. The role requires a proactive approach, the ability to translate ideas into action, removal of obstacles, and facilitation of communication and decision-making in a complex organization. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical intuition, strategic thinking, exceptional organizational skills, and professionalism suitable for a fast-paced hard tech startup environment. As an advisor and operator, the Chief of Staff supports the CTO in maintaining focus, preparation, and leadership effectiveness.
What You'll Do
Executive and Strategic Enablement
- Partner strategically with the CTO, translating vision into execution across technical teams.
- Provide high-level administrative support including schedule and travel management.
- Serve as primary contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding CTO matters.
- Lead special projects ensuring timely completion aligned with company goals.
- Prepare and manage meeting materials, attend meetings, and track action items.
- Plan and oversee executive travel and logistics with accuracy and discretion.
Operational Excellence
- Coordinate the CTO’s operating rhythm, including leadership meetings, reviews, and briefings.
- Monitor high-impact initiatives to identify and resolve blockers.
- Track action items and coordinate cross-functional efforts for timely execution.
- Represent the CTO office in meetings and synthesize outcomes into follow-ups.
- Create efficient scheduling systems to prevent conflicts.
Communication and Collaboration
- Serve as an information hub between the CTO and internal/external teams.
- Ensure clear, timely communication of technical updates and strategic briefings.
- Produce professional communications including emails, presentations, and memos.
- Handle confidential information with discretion.
People and Culture Enablement
- Support hiring, onboarding, and team structuring for the technical organization.
- Drive culture-building aligned with values and performance within the technical org.
- Establish scalable processes for collaboration and innovation.
- Support additional strategic initiatives and department effectiveness efforts.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or related technical field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience as an executive assistant or similar roles in technical project management, operations, strategy, or consulting, preferably in tech-centric, high-growth environments.
- At least 3 years supporting senior executives, preferably at the C-level.
- Exceptional organizational, multitasking, and time management skills.
- Ability to manage shifting priorities professionally in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience coordinating executive-level travel, communications, and logistics.
- Impeccable judgment, discretion, and trustworthiness with sensitive information.
- Strong emotional intelligence and collaboration skills.
- Proactive problem-solving attitude with ownership of high-priority deliverables.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Word, Excel).
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% for events and operational support.
- U.S. Citizenship required and ability to obtain and maintain U.S. DoD security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in engineering, MBA, or related technical field.
- Experience in venture-backed aerospace, defense, or hard tech companies, especially in hyper-growth startups or consulting firms.
- Knowledge or experience with DoD, military programs, dual-use technologies, or complex R&D environments.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams and external partners including government agencies.
- Ability to maintain a steady, proactive presence in high-pressure environments.
- Commitment to the mission to support the CTO’s critical objectives.
- Understanding of technology organization dynamics; familiarity with software engineering or product development is a plus.
Work Environment
This is an on-site position at Firestorm HQ in San Diego, CA, with up to 30% travel in support of the CTO.
Compensation
U.S. Salary Range: $115,000 - $145,000 USD. The posted range reflects estimates based on experience, education, skills, location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary.
Benefits & Perks
We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) retirement plan, unlimited PTO, generous holidays including December hiatus, parental leave, FSA, HSA, various insurance plans fully covered by the company, and free 24/7 mental health resources including therapy and additional work-life services like legal and financial support. Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate employees to do their best work.
ITAR Compliance
Candidates must comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR). Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, protected individual status, or eligibility for U.S. Department of State authorizations.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. The company encourages minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply and provides accommodations during the application process upon request.
How to Apply
To apply for the Chief of Staff to the CTO position at Firestorm, please visit the company website application link. You may be required to join or sign in to LinkedIn to complete your application. For assistance or accommodation during the application process, you may contact Firestorm at [email protected].