Executive Assistant

Hybrid | Contract-to-Hire | 30 hours p/w at $30 p/h About Peregrine Peregrine Industries builds affordable, U.S.-made autonomous systems for tactical strike, counter-UAS, training, and defense modernization missions. Our platforms include Kestrel and DRACO, backed by PTEC, our modular tactical effects core. We move fast, hold ourselves to honest engineering standards, and build hardware that has to work the first time in the field. About the Role We are seeking a sharp, driven Executive Assistant to serve as a trusted operating partner to our CEO, with additional support to our senior VPs. This is far more than a calendar and travel role, and it's built for someone early in their career who wants real ownership fast. You will help run the daily operational rhythm of the company, take work off the plates of leaders who are currently absorbing it themselves, and keep priorities, communications, and follow-through moving without being asked twice. This is a rare ground-floor opportunity at an early-stage defense company. You will learn how an executive office is built from scratch, work shoulder-to-shoulder with senior leadership, and grow into greater responsibility as the company scales. We are looking for someone who is hungry to learn, takes ownership, and wants to grow with us — not someone looking for a role that stays the same. If you are early in your career, exceptionally organized, and ready to prove what you can do, this is a place to do it. This role is based on-site in San Diego and is open only to candidates local to the San Diego area. Structure & Growth Path This position begins as a contract role at 30 hours per week for the first three months at $30/hour. At the end of the initial three-month period, strong performers will have the opportunity to renegotiate compensation, move to full-time 40 hours per week, earn equity in the company, and transition into a permanent employment role. We are looking to invest in someone for the long term. What you'll do Serve as an operational partner to the CEO, anticipating needs and helping resolve logistical, informational, and administrative requirements before they become blockers. Manage complex, fast-changing calendars for the CEO and senior VPs, learning to prioritize against company goals and protect executive focus time. Coordinate internal and external meetings end to end, including agendas, read-ahead materials, logistics, notes, and action-item follow-up. Draft, edit, and refine company policies, SOPs, and internal process documentation, turning how we work into clear, repeatable written standards. Provide basic financial support, including expense reports, invoice and PO tracking, receipt discipline, and coordination with company card and accounting workflows. Coordinate domestic travel and detailed itineraries, and manage last-minute changes with agility. Track executive action items, commitments, and strategic priorities across the leadership team, ensuring timely follow-through. Serve as a professional point of contact for customers, government stakeholders, partners, and investors on behalf of the executive office. Prepare and refine briefing materials, correspondence, and presentations for internal and external audiences. Build and maintain the files, trackers, and organizational systems that keep the executive office running as the company scales. Handle confidential and sensitive business information with the highest level of integrity and discretion. Support special projects and executive office operations as assigned. What we're looking for A recent graduate or early-career professional eager to learn, grow, and take on real responsibility. Local to San Diego and able to work on-site and/or remotely. Strong organizational instincts and the ability to juggle shifting priorities and confidential matters in a fast-paced environment. Basic financial literacy: comfort with, or the ability to quickly learn, expense reports, invoices, POs, budgets, and receipt tracking. Strong writing skills, with the ability to draft clear, professional communications and documentation. Excellent time management and attention to detail. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. A proactive mindset: someone who anticipates needs, thinks ahead, and executes with minimal supervision. High degree of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and sound judgment. Strongly preferred Internship, coursework, or early work experience in an administrative, operations, or coordination capacity. Interest in defense, aerospace, government contracting, startups, or another fast-paced, mission-driven environment. A knack for building organization out of chaos: systems, workflows, and process improvements from the ground up. Familiarity with expense, travel, or company card tools. Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Peregrine Industries is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Position is subject to U.S. export-control regulations; applicants must qualify as U.S. Persons under ITAR. #J-18808-Ljbffr