Engineering Chief of Staff to CTO

Neros Technologies; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense technology company is looking for a Chief of Staff to work closely with the CTO. This role includes managing operational initiatives, leading special projects, and providing strategic support. Candidates should have 3-5+ years in management consulting or operations, along with exceptional communication and project management skills. The position offers a salary range of $100,000-$160,000 and involves a commitment to detail and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years in management consulting, investment banking, or high-stakes operations.
• Experienced operator with cross-business initiatives in business development and finance.
• Highly organized with extreme attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Own high-priority operational initiatives and drive cross-functional collaboration.
• Lead time-sensitive special projects and partner with the CTO.
• Provide decision support through research and data analysis.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Written and verbal communication

Project management

Operational efficiency

Adaptability

Job description

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Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America’s drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands‑on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We’re hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.

What You Will Be Doing

We’re looking for a highly capable and adaptable Chief of Staff to work closely with our CTO, as a strategic thought partner, operator, and problem‑solver. This role is an opportunity to gain deep exposure to the inner workings of a high‑growth company, drive critical initiatives, and influence key decisions. You’ll operate across multiple domains—business operations, special projects, and thought partnership—while ensuring the CTO’s time is optimized for maximum impact.

Responsibilities

• Operations (30%)
• Own high‑priority operational initiatives that include streamlining internal processes and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
• Drive cross‑functional initiatives, ensuring seamless coordination between teams.
• Support team management and business development initiatives.
• Special Projects (40%)
• Lead high‑stakes, time‑sensitive projects (“special ops” mode when needed).
• Dive into technical and product‑related areas—willing to test hardware and get hands‑on.
• Partner with the CTO to define and execute company priorities, ensuring alignment across teams.
• Thought Partnership & Strategic Support (30%)
• Provide decision support to the CTO by preparing research, data analysis, and presentations.
• Represent the CTO in meetings when necessary, ensuring consistent communication and decision‑making.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Be a strong filter for inbound opportunities—decide whether to take the first call or escalates to the CTO.

You Should Have the Following

• 3-5+ years in management consulting, investment banking, operations, or a similar high‑stakes role.
• Experienced operator who has owned, or been part of, cross‑business initiatives (e.g. business development, finance, people management, HR).
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex ideas.
• Strategic thinker who thrives in ambiguity and approaches challenges with creativity and pragmatism.
• Proven track record of managing complex projects and delivering results in fast‑paced environments.
• Familiarity with the defense industry, emerging technologies, or hardware/software development is a strong advantage.
• Highly organized with extreme attention to detail.
• Able to absorb context quickly across multiple domains.
• Decisive and able to make sound judgments with limited information.
• No task is too small, and you can be trusted with mission‑critical projects.
• Gritty and hands‑on—willing to jump into technical areas when needed.
• Must be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
• Must be willing to travel, as needed.

Nice to Have

• Experience in startups or defense/tech industries is a plus.

US Salary Range

$100,000-$160,000

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros’ total compensation package.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.