Executive Assistant

Company Overview
Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.

Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for an Executive Assistant to be the CEO's right-hand partner-anticipating needs, protecting critical thinking time, and ensuring that company objectives, investor obligations, and day-to-day operations move forward without friction. Success in this role is measured by the CEO's ability to focus on strategy, product, and customers while trusting the Executive Assistant to orchestrate the logistics, communications, and follow-through.

What You'll Do

• Own a complex, fluid schedule across time zones; coordinate secure travel for government installations and defense trade events; prepare detailed itineraries and read-aheads.
• Plan executive staff and board meetings, end-to-end agendas, briefing packets, minutes, and action-item tracking, and ensuring all sensitive materials comply with ITAR and CUI handling rules.
• Serve as first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, triaging requests and drafting high-stakes correspondence on the CEO's behalf.
• Build simple dashboards (Airtable, Asana, or Excel) that flag commitments, owners, and due-dates; follow up relentlessly to drive closure.
• Coordinate classified and unclassified demos, investor site visits, and trade-show exhibits, including security clearances, shipping drone hardware, and handling NDAs.
• Reconcile monthly P-card and travel expenses; liaise with Finance and Legal to route SOWs, PRs, and vendor agreements for signature.
• Uphold strict discretion with proprietary technology, personnel data, and pending government contracts; maintain insider-trading blackout lists as needed.

Requirements

• 5-8 years supporting a C-level executive, preferably in aerospace, defense, or deep-tech start-ups.
• Must be a U.S. person and able to obtain/maintain a DoD SECRET clearance (company will sponsor).
• Mastery of Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace; familiarity with Slack, Confluence, and virtual board-portal solutions.
• Polished written and verbal skills; able to draft CEO-level emails, investor updates, and talking points with minimal direction.
• Proven track record of anticipating problems, prioritizing ruthlessly, and delivering under tight deadlines.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift/carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, and phones. Must be physically capable of walking between office and production areas and attending events or meetings off-site as needed.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in a professional office environment with occasional work in a manufacturing setting. It requires the use of standard office equipment and systems. This role involves cross-departmental collaboration and both independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard work hours for this position are 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime or off-hour work as business needs arise.

ITAR Requirement

In compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders), or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Compensation and Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match
• Paid Parental Leave
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.