Executive Assistant

About Forterra

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. Amongst some of the earliest innovators in the field of driverless technology, Forterra is focused on building systems that protect front-line soldiers and enable civilian workers in our industrial base. Forterra is the go-to provider of ground autonomy solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, which harnesses the technology for asymmetric warfare in critical conditions.

About the role

We’re looking for a resourceful, sharp, and highly organized Executive Assistant to directly support our CEO and help keep the executive team operating at full throttle. This is not a “calendar manager” role. It’s a central operational seat at the heart of the company, ensuring the CEO’s time, communication, and priorities align with what moves Forterra forward.

You’ll toggle between our Clarksburg and Arlington offices, working side-by-side with Josh Araujo and the broader C-Suite. Expect high pace, high context-switching, and a front-row seat to the inner workings of a rapidly scaling defense startup.

What you'll do

• Manage and optimize the CEO’s schedule, ensuring his time is focused on the highest-impact initiatives.
• Anticipate needs, clear obstacles, and streamline decision-making through effective prep, context, and follow-through.
• Coordinate travel, meetings, and events across multiple sites, time zones, and stakeholders.
• Serve as a central hub for information flow by filtering, prioritizing, and communicating across teams with discretion and clarity.
• Support Board and investor communications logistics (deck prep, materials coordination, follow-ups).
• Partner with the Company’s EA team to help drive operational rhythm: staff meetings, offsites, exec alignment sessions, and key deliverables.
• Handle sensitive information with absolute confidentiality and professionalism.
• Jump in wherever needed — from briefing docs to office logistics — to keep the company running smoothly.

Minimum Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience as an EA or operations professional supporting senior executives in a high-growth or high-intensity environment.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills; master of prioritization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft O365, Slack, and task/project management tools.
• Discretion and judgment handling sensitive company and personal information.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate executive needs and make judgment calls independently.
• Ability to travel regularly between Clarksburg and Arlington offices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting a founder or CEO in a fast-paced startup or tech company.
• Background in defense, aerospace, or another highly regulated environment.
• Familiarity with board materials, investor communications, or confidential corporate processes.
• BA/BS degree in business, communications, or a related field.

US Salary Range
 $125,000—$155,000

The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra’s overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full-time employees including:

• Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.  
• Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
• Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
• A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption. 
• A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or profession