Chief of Staff

Katalyst Description:

We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best. 

What You’ll Do

1. Strategic planning, organization, and execution
   1. Decompose ambiguous concepts into clear, executable plans with milestones, owners, risks, and dependencies
   2. Project manage key strategic initiatives with CEO
   3. Work with other members of the leadership team to iterate and refine priorities
2. Drive alignment and execution across the leadership team so the CEO’s decisions translate into coordinated action
   1. Stand in for CEO with internal deliberations to help solve for CEO availability
   2. Lead the operating cadence for the leadership team: managing tools and systems for tracking initiatives and holding stakeholders accountable for deliverables
   3. Ensure agendas for key recurring meetings are well prepared (all-hands, staff meetings, functional reviews, etc.)
3. Architect scalable systems
   1. Design and implement systems that improve clarity and accountability
   2. Reinforce communication norms and decision-making discipline across leadership
   3. Create templates, structures, tooling, and datasets to enable consistency and quality execution
4. Directly manage special projects such as fundraises, workshops, and engagements with key stakeholders

What We’re Looking For

You are:

1. Exceptionally methodical, detail-oriented, and organized
2. Willing to grind it out, not above the grunt work
3. Analytical: curious and willing to learn the underlying dynamics of a system
4. Calm communicator with high emotional intelligence to manage conflicts and align teams toward goals
5. Confident and intense

Your Ideal Background

1. 7+ years' experience working in high-intensity environments (startup, consulting, IB, VC, or other)
2. Experience working closely with senior leadership teams
3. Proven success driving complex cross-functional projects end-to-end
4. Experience with modeling, analysis, or rigorous decision support
5. Strong written and verbal communication skills
6. Technical background in engineering or a related field (preferred)
7. Military, national security, or government experience (preferred)

Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed. Expected travel is around 25%, with some sprints requiring up to 50% travel.

Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $165,000 - $200,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.