Operations Associate

Subcritical Systems Inc; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base Salary + Equity + Bonus

Diverse experience and project ownership

Job summary

A venture-backed energy startup in Austin, Texas, is looking for an Operations Associate to oversee daily facility operations and support engineering teams. This in-person role involves managing construction projects, procurement of technical equipment, and ensuring smooth operations. Candidates should possess 1-3 years of relevant experience, strong organizational skills, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. This position offers opportunities for ownership of projects and career growth based on performance.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years in operations, consulting, startups, project management, or similar.
• Experience in technical work is a plus (e.g. engineering, construction).
• Experience in energy and/or nuclear industries is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day operations for the facility.
• Project manage construction and improvement projects.
• Coordinate procurement for engineering and science teams.
• Track expenses related to facilities and equipment.
• Manage office supplies and support rapid onboarding for new hires.
• Act as a hands-on execution partner to engineering leadership.
• Drive follow ups and ensure tasks are completed

Skills

Operations experience

Project management

Technical work experience

Organizational skills

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Subcritical Systems is a venture-backed energy startup based in Austin, Texas. We are building next-generation accelerator-driven nuclear systems with the goal of enabling safe, scalable, domestic power generation. Our culture is highly execution driven.

We are looking for an Operations Associate to act as the operational backbone for our science and engineering teams. This role works closely with the CTO and technical leadership, while also partnering with corporate finance and operations, serving as a bridge between engineering needs and business execution. We recently moved to a 30,000 square foot facility in Austin and are scaling quickly. This role exists to make sure the company’s physical space, people, and projects run smoothly every day.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-moving environments, enjoys keeping complex work on track, and wants to be a hands-on right hand to highly technical teams.

Key Responsibilities

Facility Operations & Construction Projects

• Own day-to-day operations for our 30,000 square foot facility.
• Project manage construction and improvement projects (e.g. HVAC, conference rooms, power upgrades).
• Coordinate and support construction of accelerator-driven nuclear systems.
• Manage contractors, track timelines, and flag risks or delays to leadership.
• Ensure the facility is functional, safe, and ready for engineering work.

Equipment and Technical Procurement

• Manage procurement for engineering and science teams, including lead loops, welding equipment, and lab tools.
• Track orders from request through delivery.

Budget, Expenses, and Documentation

• Track expenses related to facilities, equipment, and operations in coordination with corporate finance/operations.
• Maintain organized documentation for receipts, invoices, and approvals for internal and external stakeholders.

Office Management and Onboarding

• Own office management (supplies, basic office needs).
• Support rapid onboarding for new hires (workspace setup, equipment, access) to ensure new team members can be productive from day one.
• Manage conference registration, logistics, and related coordination for team members.

General Operations Execution & Leadership Support

• Act as a hands-on execution partner to engineering leadership, including the CTO.
• Serve as a bridge between technical teams and corporate finance/operations.
• Drive follow ups, track open items, and ensure tasks are completed.
• Take on ad-hoc operations tasks as they arise.

Who You Are

• 1-3 years in operations, consulting, startups, project management, or similar
• Experience in technical work is a plus (e.g. engineering, construction)
• Experience in energy and/or nuclear industries is a plus
• Exceptionally smart, fast learner, and highly organized
• Enjoy hands on work and feel no task is too small
• Comfortable working with technical teams and asking clarifying questions
• Calm under pressure; comfortable with ambiguity
• Willing to work long hours when needed
• Wants to build something meaningful early in their career

This role is fully in person in Austin, office is next to Austin Airport

Compensation: Base Salary + Equity + Bonus

Ability to get diverse experience, own projects, & move up based on performance