Executive Assistant

The founders' time is the company's scarcest resource. As Executive Assistant, you will guard it by managing their calendars, travel, and the office itself while anticipating problems before they arise. This is a proactive role focused on keeping the day running smoothly and protecting the founders' focus.

First Order Effects (FOE) is building America's Infrastructure Prime for the robotic era. Autonomous ships, drones, and robots are reshaping how the world moves, fights, and builds, and FOE is developing the infrastructure needed to power, connect, launch, and recover them.

FOE's team comes from SpaceX, Anduril, Saronic, Lockheed Skunk Works, Forterra, and Fuse Energy, with experience building satellite ground stations, multi-megawatt power systems, and autonomous surface vessels for Navy fleet production.

The role is based on-site in Austin, Texas, and includes competitive base compensation, equity, and benefits. Exceptional candidates may receive additional compensation reflective of their impact.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under applicable ITAR/EAR regulations, and must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. An active clearance is not required. FOE is an equal opportunity employer.

• Experience supporting leaders at a fast-moving, high-growth technology company.
• Anticipatory and proactive approach, with the ability to identify needs and solve problems before they are raised.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong follow-through.
• Calm, resourceful, and adaptable under pressure when plans change.
• Warm, clear communication skills and a genuine service mindset.
• Discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive schedules, travel, and information.
• Low-ego, high-ownership mindset and pride in maintaining a well-run office and day.
• Bonus: experience supporting founders or senior executives at a high-speed, ownership-oriented company such as Anduril, Saronic, SpaceX, Tesla, Anthropic, OpenAI, or an equivalent organization.
• Bonus: fluency with Google Workspace and modern scheduling, travel, and expense tools.
• Bonus: experience in a hardware, defense, aerospace, or GovCon environment.
• Bonus: experience helping establish or scale an office from its early stages.
• U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or protected-individual status as required by ITAR/EAR regulations.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

• Manage the founders' complex, shifting calendars across three founders and multiple time zones, protecting focus time and resolving conflicts proactively.
• Book and manage domestic and international travel end-to-end, including flights, hotels, ground transportation, agendas, and last-minute changes.
• Manage office facilities, kitchen supplies, inventory, printers, and vendors to keep the workplace stocked, functional, and welcoming.
• Handle incoming and outgoing shipping and receiving, including parts and hardware, ensuring packages are logged and routed appropriately.
• Serve as the warm, professional first point of contact for visitors, candidates, customers, and partners.
• Handle expense reports, receipts, and day-to-day administrative work accurately and discreetly.
• Prepare for meetings and coordinate on-site meetings, team events, and offsites.
• Partner daily with the Chief of Staff on the company's operating rhythm.
• Support the founders and company with priority tasks as needs arise.