Chief of Staff to CEO - Strategic Initiatives
About The Position
Aeva is seeking a technically strong, resourceful leader to serve as Chief of Staff and lead strategic initiatives. The role drives strategic priorities and complex cross-functional initiatives, combining hands-on Operations Program Management (OPM), Engineering Program Management (EPM), or Technical Program Management (TPM) experience with technical judgment, business acumen, and an ownership mindset. The successful candidate will navigate challenging internal and external situations, develop practical solutions, and drive teams toward clear outcomes. 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. The role leads high-priority technical, strategic, and operational initiatives for the CEO from ambiguity through execution and measurable results. It works across engineering, product, manufacturing, operations, and commercial sales teams to resolve blockers, align priorities, and drive decisions. The Chief of Staff also handles sensitive customer, supplier, partner, and internal escalations; analyzes complex technical and business issues; anticipates risks; and provides concise recommendations to the CEO, CTO, and leadership team. The role may step in as a hands-on program leader to accelerate critical outcomes.
Requirements
- 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.
- Exceptional ability to influence without authority, manage external stakeholders, and translate complexity into clear decisions and outcomes.
Nice To Haves
- Prior founder, CEO, or COO experience at a high-growth startup.
- Experience in advanced hardware, sensing, LiDAR, robotics, autonomy, or data center/optical technologies.
Responsibilities
- 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, CTO, and leadership team.
- Step in as a hands-on program leader when needed to accelerate critical outcomes.
Benefits
- Very competitive compensation and meaningful stock grants.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Unlimited PTO.
- Pre-tax commuter and health care/dependent care accounts.
- 401(k) plan.
- Life and disability benefits.
- Paid parental leave.
- 11 paid holidays annually.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
