Defense Think Tank Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Who we are
Picogrid is a leading venture-backed defense technology company founded to bridge the decades-long gap between modern technology and the critical demands of national security. Today, we're building the essential infrastructure to unify sensors, autonomy, and operators with our technology deployed in active operations around the world. Our mission is to deliver an operational advantage to secure the United States and its allies.
About the Role
This is not a traditional EA role. You'll work directly with all three of our co-founders: our CEO, Head of Engineering, and Head of Growth, sitting at the center of everything we do. You'll see across the full company, from engineering and product to BD, partnerships, and fundraising.
We designed this role intentionally as a launchpad. A successful hire will learn how decisions get made at Picogrid, develop deep pattern recognition about what it takes to build a defense startup, and ultimately will have the option to hire their own replacement and move into a functional role on the team. If you're a sharp executor who wants a front-row seat to building a company and a clear path to more, this is for you.
Responsibilities

• Own the calendars of three co-founders, managing priorities, resolving conflicts, and making proactive judgment calls about what earns their time
• Prepare briefing materials, agendas, and follow-up actions for meetings with investors, partners, government stakeholders, and internal leadership
• Manage complex domestic and international travel end-to-end, including anticipating changes and building contingency into every itinerary
• Serve as a communication hub across the founding team, tracking open threads, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks, and keeping decisions moving
• Draft and edit communications on behalf of the founders: emails, memos, investor updates, and meeting recaps
• Support light office operations and handle ad hoc research, office vendor coordination, and logistical problem-solving as needs arise
• Over time, take ownership of recurring processes and identify where things can be systematized or handed off

Required Qualifications

• Exceptionally organized with a near-obsessive attention to detail; you notice the things others miss
• Proficiency with calendar and productivity tools (Google Workspace, Slack, and other project management tools)
• A fast, clear writer who can draft a crisp email or exec brief without much direction
• Proactive rather than reactive; you anticipate what's needed before being asked
• Calm under pressure and good at making real-time judgment calls when priorities shift
• Genuinely curious about defense technology and national security
• Comfortable with ambiguity and excited by the pace of an early-stage company
• High integrity; you'll handle sensitive information and represent the founders externally
• US Citizenship required (ITAR requirements)
• Bachelor's degree required

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience (5+ years) of supporting high level executives in dynamic and fast moving environments
• Previous internship or 1-2 years of experience in Federal government (eg. Congress, Executive agencies, Pentagon) or policy think tanks and consultancies (eg. Albright Stonebridge Group, CSIS, Forbes Tate)

Why This Role

• Direct exposure to how a high-growth defense startup makes decisions at the executive level
• See the full picture of how a company operates, from engineering and product to BD, partnerships, fundraising, and team-building
• Get a genuine foot in the door of the defense tech world, working alongside people who have already built and scaled companies in this space
• This role is explicitly designed to develop you into a strategist and operator; we will invest in your growth and expect you to outgrow the position

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $90,000 - 130,000 per year. Base salary is just one part of your total compensation package at Picogrid.
• Significant stock options with high potential upside as an early-stage company
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
• Relocation assistance provided (if applicable)
• Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid parental leave for both parents
• Lunch provided when working in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette
• Free EV charging at the HQ
• Unique office in El Segundo, CA stocked with quality coffee, snacks, and craft beer

Export Control Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
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Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Picogrid is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.