Founders Associate - CTO & COO in Berlin

Ground A is a fast-growing German defense technology company developing next-generation counter-drone systems. Our teams in Berlin and Düsseldorf combine engineering, hardware, sensors, and software to build technology for real-world use. As we grow, we need people who can bring structure to complex projects and turn ideas into action.

About the Role

Founders Associate – CTO & COO Technical & Operational Generalist | (m/f/d) Ground A · Berlin (preferred) or Düsseldorf, Germany · Full-time Role Overview We are looking for a curious, hands-on Founders Associate to work directly with our CTO and COO, both co-founders of Ground A. You will support them across technical projects, day-to-day operations, coordination, analysis, and execution. This is a true generalist role: one day you might prepare a technical comparison or coordinate a supplier, the next you might organize a test, update a project tracker, create a presentation, or take care of straightforward operational tasks. No task is too small when it helps the team move faster. You do not need to be a specialist engineer or a programmer. What matters is a solid technical foundation, a structured mindset, a willingness to learn, and the drive to get things done. Practical Details This is a full-time position based in Berlin (preferred) or Düsseldorf. Regular on-site presence is important for working with the team and supporting technical activities. Occasional business travel within Germany may be required.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with the CTO and COO to organize priorities, prepare decisions, follow up on action items, and keep projects moving.
• Support technical projects through research, comparisons of technical options, requirements tracking, documentation, and coordination with engineers.
• Help prepare and organize prototype builds, test activities, demonstrations, and field visits — including checklists, materials, schedules, results, and follow-up.
• Coordinate suppliers, orders, deliveries, components, and external partners in close collaboration with Engineering and Operations.
• Take ownership of small cross-functional projects and help improve practical processes, workflows, and internal tools.
• Prepare concise analyses, presentations, project updates, meeting notes, and decision documents for the founders.
• Handle everyday operational tasks when needed — from arranging meetings and travel to updating lists, following up on deliveries, or organizing information.
• Spot bottlenecks, ask the right questions, and proactively solve problems rather than waiting for detailed instructions.

Qualifications

• A technical or analytical background, ideally through studies in engineering, industrial engineering, natural sciences, or a comparable field.
• Recent graduates with relevant internships, working-student experience, or university projects are very welcome; prior full-time experience is not required.
• Experience in consulting, technical project management, startup operations, or an industrial environment is a plus — but not a prerequisite.
• Ability to understand technical topics, communicate with engineers, and turn complex information into clear actions. Programming knowledge is not required.
• Professional English skills; German is a strong advantage.

Required Skills

• Ability to understand technical topics, communicate with engineers, and turn complex information into clear actions.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and confidence with everyday productivity tools and presentations.
• Professional English skills.

Preferred Skills

• German is a strong advantage.
• Experience in consulting, technical project management, startup operations, or an industrial environment is a plus — but not a prerequisite.
• A versatile doer: happy to switch between analytical work, technical coordination, and practical everyday tasks.
• Curious and fast-learning: you ask good questions and are not afraid of unfamiliar technical topics.
• Reliable and structured: you follow through, keep track of details, and make sure important things get finished.
• Pragmatic and low-ego: you care more about helping the team succeed than about job titles or task size.

Pay range and compensation package

• Competitive compensation and potential VSOP participation.