Business Operations Associate

About the Role

Join a profitable, venture-backed space technology company with products launched into orbit used by defense agencies, NASA, and commercial space firms for critical missions. The company, currently about 30 employees and revenue-generating, is gearing up for rapid expansion. This role offers a broad operational exposure working closely with the CEO and executive leadership, covering finance, investor relations, operations, event management, recruitment support, and special projects. It presents a unique chance to gain firsthand experience in scaling a space and defense startup with significant ownership and impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead founder-priority initiatives from conception to implementation, including fundraising assistance, trade shows, customer engagement events, and new market research.
• Support investor and board relations by preparing reports, analysis, and presentation materials for executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Develop and implement scalable operational processes in finance, human resources, and logistics to accommodate fast headcount growth.
• Manage cross-functional coordination to align engineering, sales, and production teams towards unified objectives.
• Serve as a trusted extension of the CEO by attending meetings, coordinating communications, and ensuring project follow-through throughout the company.

Qualifications and Experience

• Between two to six years of relevant professional experience in consulting, banking, finance, program management, business operations, or broad engineering roles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to independently develop models and presentations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills tailored to both technical and business audiences.
• High ownership mentality with comfort in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and readiness to manage diverse responsibilities.
• Onsite presence required in Irvine, California.
• US person status mandatory (U.S. citizen or permanent resident) due to defense-related work.

Preferred Attributes

• Previous experience in early-stage startups.
• Familiarity with aerospace, defense sectors, hardware, or deep technology fields.
• Background in recruitment coordination or support.
• Experience with investor relations functions.

Why You'll Succeed Here

• Direct collaboration with company founders and executive team in a shipping and revenue-generating organization.
• Opportunities for expanding responsibilities as the company plans to triple its workforce.
• Engagement in a mission critical to national security and the emerging space economy.
• Potential for meaningful equity participation in a startup beyond initial survival.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary range from $85,000 to $120,000 annually based on experience.
• Equity via stock option plan.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage plus life insurance.
• Paid time off including family leave benefits.

Additional Information

Face-2-Face Talent Solutions is a specialized engineering recruitment agency catering primarily to aerospace, defense, and other high-technology industries seeking qualified technical talent for full-time roles.