Founding Operations Associate

Location: Palo Alto, CA / Bay Area
Type: Full-time, on-site

About Us

We are building advanced humanoid robotic systems focused on dexterous manipulation. Our work sits at the intersection of robotics, AI, hardware, and real-world deployment. We are a small, fast-moving team building ambitious technology from the ground up.

We are looking for our first non-technical hire: someone who can bring structure, execution, and calm to the chaos of an early-stage deep tech company.

Role

This is a highly cross-functional role for someone who loves making things happen.

You will work directly with founders and the team to keep the company running smoothly across logistics, scheduling, internal operations, demos, events, and day-to-day coordination. One day you may be organizing a customer demo, the next day coordinating shipments, managing vendor logistics, preparing for an exhibition, or making sure an important internal meeting actually happens on time with the right people and materials.

This role is ideal for someone who is organized, resourceful, detail-oriented, and energized by early-stage environments where priorities move quickly and no task is too small or too operational.

What You’ll Do

• Own day-to-day operational coordination across the company
• Manage calendars, scheduling, and internal/external meeting logistics
• Help coordinate customer visits, demos, and partner meetings
• Support conference, exhibition, and event planning end-to-end
• Handle office, lab, and company logistics including supplies, shipments, vendors, and on-site coordination
• Help founders stay organized on priorities, follow-ups, travel, and administrative workflows
• Prepare materials and run point on logistics for recruiting visits, customer meetings, investor meetings, and public showcases
• Track action items, timelines, and operational loose ends so nothing slips
• Build lightweight systems and processes for recurring operational tasks
• Coordinate with external vendors, service providers, building management, and contractors
• Support basic people operations such as interview coordination, onboarding logistics, and candidate visits
• Jump into whatever is needed to help the company move faster

What We’re Looking For

• 2–6 years of experience in operations, executive support, office management, event coordination, program coordination, startup ops, or similar roles
• Extremely organized and detail-oriented
• Strong written and verbal communication
• High ownership and follow-through
• Comfortable juggling many moving parts at once
• Good judgment and ability to prioritize in a fast-changing environment
• Excited to work on-site and be physically present where things are happening
• Willingness to do both strategic coordination and hands-on execution
• Positive, low-ego, no-task-too-small attitude

Nice to Have

• Experience at an early-stage startup
• Experience supporting founders or senior executives
• Experience coordinating events, demos, trade shows, or customer visits
• Experience with vendors, office operations, shipping/logistics, or travel planning
• Interest in robotics, AI, or deep tech

Why This Role Matters

In an early-stage robotics company, operational leverage matters a lot. This person will help the team stay focused, responsive, and prepared as we grow. You will be a key part of how the company presents itself externally and how effectively it functions internally.

Compensation

Compensation will include salary and equity, commensurate with experience.