Founders Associate

About the Role

Aurelius Systems is a VC-backed defense tech startup developing autonomous, edge-deployed directed energy systems for counter-UAS. We build laser weapons to neutralize drones. We are a lean team of engineers, former US military operators, and subject matter experts focused on advancing America's directed energy capabilities. Our operational philosophy is inspired by Marcus Aurelius and Henry Ford, emphasizing focused work, high output, and a no-excuses approach. We operate from our San Francisco lab, have a manufacturing hub in Detroit, and conduct weekly field tests on our 400-acre private range.

This role reports directly to our CEO and also supports the CTO and the broader company. The primary focus is ensuring no critical tasks are overlooked. Responsibilities include managing calendars, inboxes, meetings, travel, follow-ups, special projects, and fulfilling general company needs. This is not a traditional Executive Assistant position; it requires high energy, high throughput, and meticulous attention to detail. Errors in time zones, missed follow-ups, or typos in board pre-reads are considered significant misses. The role involves significant computer-based work but also requires physical tasks related to hardware, including equipment handling, setup at the shop, and assisting with test days or events. This position is intended for an individual early in their career, prioritizing demonstrated initiative and execution over years of experience or past titles.

Key Responsibilities

• Founder’s calendar management: End-to-end confirmation of every meeting, accurate time zone handling, and proactive conflict resolution.
• Inbox triage and follow-ups: Capturing and closing action items from all meetings on the same day.
• Board, investor, and customer meeting preparation: Creating accurate and timely agendas, pre-reads, and one-pagers.
• Travel and logistics: Managing flights, hotels, ground transport, gear lists, and contingency planning for field tests, demos, and trips.
• Special project management: Taking messy problems from the CEO and delivering complete solutions.
• Internal tools and automation: Developing spreadsheets, scripts, or AI workflows to eliminate repetitive manual tasks.
• Visitor and site visit coordination: Including NDA management and scheduling.
• Physical tasks: Moving hardware and equipment, assisting at the shop, test sites, and events.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Extreme bias for action: Proactive problem-solving over scheduling meetings.
• Proactive problem handling: Addressing issues before they impact others.
• Comfort with ambiguity and fast iteration in a startup environment.
• Clear communication with team, leadership, and vendors.
• Self-direction: Identifying and executing necessary tasks without explicit instruction.
• Attention to detail: Crucial for accuracy in all tasks.
• Computer proficiency: Primarily computer-based work.
• Physical capability: Willingness to lift, haul, and handle hardware.
• U.S. Person status required due to access to export-controlled information.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated initiative: Evidence of starting and running projects, businesses, products, clubs, or events, with a focus on outcomes.
• Execution experience: Proven ability to deliver tangible results in a fast-growing, venture-backed startup or a similarly dynamic environment.
• Tool development: Experience building personal tools for efficiency, such as spreadsheets with complex formulas, SQL, scripts, Zapier-type automations, or AI workflows.
• Error-free ownership: Track record of managing work where mistakes have high visibility, maintaining a zero error rate (e.g., in models, trackers, client deliverables, production releases).
• Multitasking ability: Successfully managed concurrent commitments, such as school, employment, and personal projects.
• Competitive drive: Experience competing for selective opportunities (e.g., student organizations, consulting groups, tech clubs, varsity sports).
• Analytical thinking: Demonstrated through a rigorous quantitative or dual-focus academic program (e.g., Cognitive Science, Data Science, Business Economics) or equivalent evidence.
• Early career readiness: New and soon-to-be graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Proof of capability matters over formal degrees.

Nice to Have

• A successfully started business with revenue.
• Comfort with SQL or a scripting language.
• Built a tool or automation used by others.
• Experience in hardware, manufacturing, or defense environments.
• Experience managing logistics for events, trips, or fieldwork.

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, most Saturdays, and occasional evenings.

Benefits

• Competitive salary + equity.
• United Health Care medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 18 days PTO + 5 sick days.
• Travel opportunities to field test events and range days.
• Covered daily lunches, office snacks, and drinks.
• E-bike / scooter stipend (Up to $500).
• Direct access to leadership and ownership over work.