Operations Manager

Aperture Overview: 

Aperture is a fast-moving, innovation-driven startup developing cutting-edge L-band SAR sensor and analytics solutions for climate monitoring and national security. We specialize in advanced radar sensing technology designed for deployment across airborne and satellite platforms, delivering unparalleled soil moisture intelligence and environmental monitoring.

With active government contracts and growing commercial traction, we're a 5-person team executing on ambitious technical and business goals. We recently completed our seed round and are scaling operations to support rapid growth.

Role Description:

We're looking for a detail-oriented, self-starter Operations Manager to own the administrative backbone of our company. You'll manage financial operations, HR administration, compliance, and systems so our CEO can focus on fundraising, customer development, and strategic growth.

This is a high-trust role handling confidential financial, HR, and legal matters. You'll work independently with minimal oversight, keeping the company running smoothly behind the scenes. Strong communication skills and reliability are essential.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Operations:

• Process bi-monthly payroll for employees (via Gusto) and contractors (via QuickBooks)
• Manage accounts payable: contractor payments, vendor invoices, expense reimbursements
• Submit invoices and track payments from government contracts and grants
• Maintain bookkeeping records and reconcile QuickBooks with financial spreadsheets
• Coordinate year-end financial close and R&D budget preparation with accountant
• Track milestone payments from contracts and follow up on payment delays

HR & People Operations:

• Onboard new employees: paperwork, equipment setup, systems access
• Administer benefits and manage enrollment/changes
• Process equity grants via Fidelity and DocuSign
• Maintain employee records and ensure compliance with labor regulations
• Coordinate with legal counsel on employment agreements and consulting contracts
• Support recruiting logistics (schedule interviews, coordinate offers)

Legal & Compliance:

• Update corporate registrations in all states following recent company name change
• File annual reports and maintain business licenses
• Manage company insurance policies and renewals
• Update government registration systems (SAM.gov, etc.) with company information
• Coordinate with lawyers on routine legal matters (NDAs, standard agreements)
• Maintain contract tracking system for government and commercial agreements

Office & Logistics:

• Procure and ship equipment (laptops, hardware components, office supplies)
• Manage office space coordination
• Plan logistics for quarterly company on-sites (venue, catering, travel coordination)
• Coordinate travel arrangements for team when needed

Required Qualifications:

Experience: 

• 3 years in operations, finance, HR, or executive support roles
• Experience with payroll systems (Gusto preferred) and accounting software (QuickBooks)
• Proven track record managing confidential financial and HR information
• Startup or small company experience strongly preferred (comfortable with ambiguity and fast pace)

Skills:

• Proficiency with Gusto, QuickBooks, Google Workspace, DocuSign, and cap table management platforms
• Strong Excel/Google Sheets skills for bookkeeping and financial tracking
• Comfortable learning new software quickly
• Experience with government contract invoicing/payments a plus

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience at venture-backed startups (seed to Series A stage)
• Familiarity with government contracting administrative requirements
• HR/benefits administration experience
• Experience supporting technical teams or hardware companies

Compensation:

• $35-50/hour depending on experience (15-20 hours/week)

Application Process: 

Submit your resume to info@aperture.earth with subject line: "Operations Manager Application"