Chief of Staff

Job description

AURA TECHNOLOGIES, LLC (AURA) is an advanced research and development (R&D) company creating game-changing innovations for the US Department of Defense and the private sector in cutting-edge technology. If you are a smart, capable, and talented individual who possesses high integrity, thrives in a fast-paced environment, wants to chart your own course based on your capabilities, and is willing to be accountable for failures and successes, then continue reading because you may be the ideal candidate to join our exponentially growing R&D business. Bigger challenges. Bolder ideas. Global impact. At AURA Technologies, LLC we’re on a mission to deliver solutions with the capacity to change the world. We’re a North Carolina company behind some of the world’s most unique technology in government, hi-tech, AI, commercial and healthcare services. Our technology is bridging the digital divide to improve lives for our customers around the globe. By providing powerful new ways for people to connect with one another, we support our clients to gain greater access to data, decision making, medical research, commerce, and much more. Our team is empowering customers worldwide. The Opportunity AURA Technologies is seeking a Chief of Staff to serve as a strategic and operational right hand to the CEO. This is not an administrative role. You will be the connective tissue across the organization — ensuring the CEO’s priorities are executed, identifying and resolving problems before they escalate, and providing leadership across multiple business functions. You will have direct oversight of key operational areas and will manage a team of directors and functional leads. This role is designed for someone who has spent a significant portion of their career in or around the U.S. federal government and understands how the government operates — from procurement and contracting to program execution and compliance. You will leverage that experience on the contractor side, helping AURA execute more effectively on government programs while also supporting the company’s growing commercial initiatives. This is a senior leadership role with the potential to grow into a chief operating officer position for the right person. What You Will Do Serve as the CEO’s operational proxy — driving execution of strategic priorities across the organization and ensuring accountability at every level. Directly manage a team of directors and functional leads spanning corporate operations, program management, marketing, and engineering support. Oversee government program execution, including contract administration, deliverable tracking, and customer relationship management across AURA’s portfolio of defense contracts. Own compliance readiness, including coordination of CMMC Level 2 certification efforts, DFARS obligations, and related security and regulatory requirements. Manage IT and MSP vendor relationships, ensuring AURA’s technology infrastructure meets the security and operational standards required by our government and commercial customers. Maintain and update financial projections, cash flow models, and operational metrics — providing the CEO with clear visibility into the health of the business. Support strategic transaction preparation related to potential technology spinoffs, licensing opportunities, or other portfolio-level initiatives — including data room organization, due diligence coordination, and cross-functional readiness. Establish the operational rhythm of the business — leadership meetings, goal tracking, reporting cadences, and cross-functional coordination. Identify organizational gaps and inefficiencies and take action — strategically creating and inserting structure, function, and accountability into key areas of the business to drive operational maturity and efficiency. Step into any function as needed. At a company our size, the Chief of Staff is the person who sees a problem and owns it, regardless of whose lane it technically falls in. Requirements 10+ years of professional experience, with a substantial portion spent in or directly supporting the U.S. federal government (DoD experience strongly preferred). Deep understanding of federal procurement, contracting processes, and how the government evaluates and manages contractor relationships. Experience managing teams and holding people accountable to outcomes — you have led people, not just projects. Strong financial acumen — you are comfortable with budgets, cash flow projections, and translating financial data into operational decisions. Familiarity with government compliance frameworks (CMMC, DFARS, NIST 800-171) or demonstrated ability to learn complex regulatory environments quickly. Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities without dropping the ball. Sound judgment under ambiguity — you know when to act independently and when to escalate. US Citizenship required. Highly Desirable Active security clearance (Secret or above) is a plus but not required. Familiarity with SBIR/STTR programs, RFP and BAA processes, government R&D contracting, or defense technology acquisition. Experience working with or transitioning to a government contractor — you understand the differences between being on the government side and the contractor side. Experience supporting M&A transactions, strategic partnerships, or organizational restructuring. Why This Role Real authority. You will manage people, make decisions, and shape how this company operates. AURA’s portfolio spans cybersecurity, AI/ML, advanced engineering, and applied research for the Department of Defense and commercial markets. Your leadership directly enables the mission across all of it. Growth stage. AURA is a rapidly growing company with active government contracts, a robust R&D pipeline, and significant commercial potential. You will help build the infrastructure for the next phase. Research culture. AURA is an R&D company at heart. We pursue SBIR, STTR, and applied research projects across multiple disciplines. You will be surrounded by smart, driven people solving genuinely hard problems. Benefits Fortune 500-level Health Care Coverage Unlimited Leave Program after 60 days 10 Paid Holidays & Paid Winter Break 401(k) Safe Harbor Contributions Employee Discount Program To Apply Submit your resume/CV in PDF format via instructions at the following link: Write a carefully crafted, well-written cover letter that elaborates on your interest in this position and why you think you are the best candidate for the job. Submit your cover letter, CV and three professional references (one of which must be from a current or former supervisor) in PDF format ONLY via BambooHR. Any attachments must be in PDF format or will not be opened due to virus concerns. No phone calls after submission. We will let candidates know via automated reply that we have received their resumes and will contact them if there is a good fit after the closing date for this job. AURA Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are a Drug Free Workplace and thus, all job offers are contingent on successful criminal background check and drug screen. As a US Federal Contractor, AURA uses the Department of Homeland Security e-Verify system to determine eligibility to legally work in the United States.