Chief of Staff to CEO - Strategic Initiatives
People & HR, Operations · Full-time
Mountain View, CA, USA
USD 124k-167,800 / year + Equity
About Us
Aeva’s mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security, and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions.
Role Overview
We are seeking a technically strong, resourceful leader for the Chief of Staff and Strategic Initiatives role to drive strategic priorities and complex cross-functional initiatives. The ideal candidate brings hands-on Operations Program Management (OPM) or Engineering Program Management (EPM) experience, with strategy, business, and broader operations experience a strong plus. They combine sound technical judgment, business acumen, and an ownership mindset to navigate challenging internal and external situations, develop practical solutions, and drive teams to clear outcomes quickly. Prior founder, CEO, or COO experience at a high-growth startup is a significant advantage. This is an in-office role five days per week.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead high-priority technical, strategic, and operational initiatives for the CEO from ambiguity through execution and measurable results.
- Work across engineering, product, manufacturing, operations, and commercial sales teams to resolve blockers, align priorities, and drive decisions.
- Navigate sensitive customer, supplier, partner, and internal escalations; identify practical solutions and ensure accountability and follow-through.
- Analyze complex technical and business issues, anticipate risks, and provide concise recommendations to the CEO, the CTO and leadership team.
- Step in as a hands-on program leader when needed to accelerate critical outcomes.
What you'll have:
- 7+ years in program leadership, engineering, operations, or similarly execution-intensive roles, including hands-on OPM, EPM, or TPM experience.
- Strong technical foundation and experience delivering complex hardware programs from development through launch;
- B.S. degree in engineering or similar hands-on development experience required
- Experience in fast-paced, high-growth technology environments, with strong cross-functional leadership, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience in advanced hardware, sensing, LiDAR, robotics, autonomy, or data center/optical technologies strongly preferred.
- Exceptional ability to influence without authority, manage external stakeholders, and translate complexity into clear decisions and outcomes.
What's in it for you:
- Be part of a fast-paced and dynamic team
- Very competitive compensation and meaningful stock grants
- Exceptional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more
- Unlimited PTO
124000 - 167800 USD a year