Chief of Staff

About Thunder Compute

Thunder Compute is developing a groundbreaking virtualization platform for GPUs, akin to VMware but tailored for graphics processing units. With over $17 million raised from notable investors including Matrix Partners and Y Combinator, the company addresses the inefficiency of current GPU fleets, which operate at only 5–20% capacity. Their solution transforms GPUs into networked resources that can be shared and allocated dynamically across data centers without requiring changes to existing applications. The core team is small and highly technical, dedicated to creating a new infrastructure layer for GPU computing.

Role Overview

As Chief of Staff, you will collaborate closely with the CEO and founders, playing a pivotal role in handling critical operational challenges and driving company growth. This position extends beyond administrative tasks, involving strategic, operational, recruiting, financial, sales, and partnership duties depending on evolving priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain company-wide operational goals, processes, and reporting mechanisms.
• Lead recruitment efforts from sourcing candidates through onboarding phases.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for board members, investors, clients, and strategic collaborators.
• Manage complex client deployments ensuring timely fulfillment of commitments.
• Assess strategic business opportunities, potential partnerships, market conditions, and new initiatives.
• Oversee financial modeling, budgeting, vendor management, and operational planning.
• Translate executive discussions into actionable strategies, assigning ownership and timelines.
• Proactively identify potential obstacles and work to resolve them promptly.
• Take ownership of critical projects without clear assignment or precedent.

Qualifications & Skills

• Exceptional project management and organizational skills with strong analytical thinking.
• Proficient written and verbal communication capable of interfacing effectively with engineers, clients, and investors.
• Solid decision-making abilities regarding prioritization, escalation, and resource trade-offs.
• Comfortable handling multiple complex initiatives simultaneously with meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience with financial data, business analysis, and quantitative evaluation.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic and self-driven approach to complete ambiguous projects under tight deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail delivering high-quality outcomes independently.
• Ownership mindset focused on end results beyond assigned tasks.
• Ability to establish order and structure in uncharted operational territories.
• Willingness to engage in both high-level strategy and detailed operational tasks.
• Professional communication skills with diverse external stakeholders including customers, candidates, investors, and vendors.
• Strong technical curiosity to grasp product details, industry trends, and customer needs without requiring programming skills.

Preferred Experience

• Background in top consulting firms such as McKinsey, Bain, or BCG; finance sectors like investment banking or private equity; or operational roles in fast-growing tech companies.
• Experience collaborating with founders, senior leadership, or high-level clients.
• Track record managing cross-functional projects involving technical and non-technical teams.
• Excellent academic record with proven quantitative skills.
• Familiarity with cloud infrastructure, AI, developer tools, or enterprise software.
• History of thriving in early-stage startups or environments lacking established processes or large support structures.

Why Join Thunder Compute

This role offers an early and influential position at the company, with direct involvement in shaping operations, recruitment, sales, and scalability. You will work hand-in-hand with the founders, gaining exposure to critical company decisions and enjoying a broad scope of responsibilities with a fast feedback loop from decisions to outcomes. Be part of building both a pioneering infrastructure technology and a rapidly growing company.

Additional Details

• Report directly to co-founder and CEO Carl Peterson.
• Full-time on-site position based in downtown San Francisco, five days a week.
• The company offers relocation assistance and visa sponsorship if needed.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from $200,000 to $300,000 annually plus significant equity.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement saving plan.
• Daily provided lunch, snacks, and coffee.
• Regular team dinners and social events to foster camaraderie.