Executive Assistant to CEO of Defense Tech Startup

JRN 2380

We are seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to support the CEO of a fast-growing defense tech startup based in San Leandro, CA. This is a highly trusted, high-exposure role supporting a high-functioning founder operating at the intersection of technology, government, and military environments.

This position is ideal for someone who is deeply committed to the Executive Assistant career path and is excited to remain in an EA role for the long term. The Executive Assistant will serve as the CEO’s operational partner and true force multiplier: bringing structure, organization, sound judgment, and exceptional execution to a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

The ideal candidate is composed, emotionally intelligent, highly organized, and thrives in high-pressure settings where discretion and adaptability are paramount.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the CEO’s right hand by owning complex calendar management, scheduling, and prioritization across multiple time zones, ensuring the executive’s time is optimized.
• Act as the central point of coordination for meetings, proactively managing agendas, attendees, logistics, preparation materials, and follow-up action items.
• Keep the CEO organized by tracking priorities, managing to-do lists, anticipating needs, and ensuring commitments are executed from start to finish.
• Coordinate extensive domestic and international travel, including last-minute changes and travel to high-security or government-related environments.
• Travel with the CEO approximately 50% of the time, providing seamless executive support before, during, and after travel.
• Attend meetings across government, military, and technical settings; capture meeting notes and summarize key takeaways for internal stakeholders when appropriate.
• Drive follow-up and accountability across projects, ensuring action items are completed and communication remains seamless.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality, professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment while handling highly sensitive information.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience supporting a founder, CEO, or senior executive in a technology, startup, venture-backed, defense, or similarly fast-paced environment.
• Experience independently managing highly complex calendars and shifting executive priorities.
• Passport-ready and able to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Emotionally intelligent with exceptional interpersonal awareness and sound judgment.
• Loyal, grounded, and motivated by supporting executive success rather than personal visibility.
• Calm under pressure and comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
• Low ego, adaptable, highly organized, and proactive with exceptional follow-through.
• Highly discreet and capable of operating in confidential and sensitive environments.

Location: San Leandro, CA

Schedule: onsite 5 days/week (travel required)

Compensation and benefits: $150k–$160k base + bonus, benefits, and equity.