Chief of Staff

Proxima Fusion

WHO WE ARE Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and the continent’s best-funded fusion player, as well as the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP). Backed by over €650M and powered by a growing team across Munich, Zurich, and Oxford, we are developing the hardware and infrastructure needed to deliver the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant. Our concept advances the most mature fusion technology out there, the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, through two next-generation machines: Alpha and Stellaris. Our work combines stellarator optimization, advanced computation, machine learning, and high-temperature superconducting magnets to unlock higher-performance designs that were previously out of reach. Turning these designs into a functioning fusion power plant requires excellence and ownership across every discipline, from physics and engineering to software, manufacturing, law, and business functions. TEAM AND ROLE * Shape the architecture of the world’s first commercial fusion power plant – Own system-level decisions that determine how a first-of-a-kind energy technology is designed, integrated, and ultimately deployed at scale. * Solve some of the most complex engineering challenges in industry – Work across tightly coupled disciplines (plasma physics, magnets, cryogenics, manufacturing, controls, and more) to resolve critical trade-offs and turn cutting-edge science into a functioning product. * Build real hardware with a pragmatic, fast-moving team from all over the world – Combine advanced simulation and systems thinking with a strong execution mindset, focusing on practical engineering solutions that accelerate the path to commercial fusion energy. WHY JOIN PROXIMA FUSION * You will get to work on some of the most complex tech challenges to bring abundant, safe, clean energy to the world. * You'll get to join and learn from an exceptional selection of accomplished and driven individuals. * Do your life’s best work and enjoy the journey. * Get to show that big things are possible in Europe when you assemble the best talent. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT Systems Architecture defines which machines Proxima builds, and why. The department owns the architecture of the Alpha stellarator: the set of systems that make up the machine, how the whole is dimensioned, and the top-level requirements that flow down to every subsystem. It also leads plasma engineering for Alpha and Stellaris — coil and plasma shape optimization — sitting at the bridge between science and technology, physics and engineering. YOUR IMPACT Help translate ambition into systems that last. You will work directly with the Chief Scientist as the operational and strategic backbone of Systems Architecture. You interface across all Sys. Arch. teams and contribute to external-facing work: board reporting, strategy offsites, stakeholder engagement. Your instinct is to build systems that outlast your involvement, creating durable processes rather than personal dependencies, and leaving things in better shape than you found them. Your technical background gives you the judgment to operate credibly in a deeply technical environment and to design internal infrastructure that's coherent, low-friction, and built to last. When cross-cutting initiatives arise, special projects that need a clear owner and draw on expertise from multiple teams you're the person who picks them up and sees them through. WHAT YOU WILL DO * Support the Chief Scientist on projects within their scope, and help draft and communicate the department's strategy, plans, and priorities * Build and maintain systems across Sys. Arch. teams that support rapid development: coherent reporting formats, decision-making processes, and operational cadences * Coordinate cross-team special projects for example, aligning Proxima with an external stakeholder and converging on a clear direction and consolidate information across teams into decision-ready form * Interface with external stakeholders on high-priority topics; contribute to board reporting and prepare the department's quarterly strategy sessions * Scope and drive strategic projects and organisational change, proactively identifying bottlenecks before they slow the department down * Support budget planning for the department * Own the people side of the department: improving onboarding, sourcing candidates through your domain network, to guiding hires from first contact to onboarding WHO YOU ARE * You have a technical background and can move comfortably between "plasma beta" and "316LN steel", * You are comfortable in high-growth teams * You take things to the finish line, not the 80% mark, hands-on, accountable, and driven by impact and urgency * You switch cleanly between strategic thinking and execution mode, navigating multi-stakeholder environments with ease and bringing professionalism to everything you touch * You are an excellent written communicator and presenter, capable of producing board-ready materials that land with both technical and non-technical audiences * You are willing to question the status quo, put in the hours when it matters, and take on new challenges with urgency * A Master's degree in a technical field such as physics or engineering is an advantage, though we consider equivalent professional experience equally. INTERVIEW PROCESS * Recruiter Interview (30-60 min) * Technical Screening (30 min) * Technical Panel (3x60 min) *This role sits at L3 of our framework, please inquire during the recruitment process for further information. At Proxima Fusion, our mission is bold: making limitless clean energy a reality. To get there, we need a high-performing, diverse team that brings different perspectives, challenges assumptions, and builds together with purpose. We know that diversity of thought and experience leads to better ideas, stronger execution, and a more resilient team. We don’t look at how you identify, what you look like, who you choose to worship or what ethnicity you are. We care about what you can bring to the table.

SpAItial

SpAItial is pioneering the next generation of World Models, pushing the boundaries of generative AI, computer vision, and simulation. We are moving beyond 2D pixels to build models that natively understand the physics and geometry of our world. Our mission is to redefine how industries, from robotics and AR/VR to gaming and cinema, generate and interact with physically-grounded 3D environments. We are seeking a Chief of Staff to act as a force multiplier for our leadership team, elevating our operations to the next level and maximizing our team’s efficiency. You will sit at the intersection of operations, strategy, talent, and finance, identifying organizational bottlenecks, building lightweight processes, and executing across all non-technical fronts to support our engineering team. This is a vital role for the company, and you should be equally comfortable structuring an investor data room, negotiating a vendor contract, optimizing our hiring pipeline, or managing our public communications. RESPONSIBILITIES * Operations & Systems Engine: Own and optimize our internal ops stack and communication flow. Design and run meetings, such as leadership syncs or offsites, to ensure company-wide alignment and track progress against strategic goals/OKRs. * Finance, Legal & Vendor Operations: Act as the primary liaison for external contractors, including accounting, legal counsel, and infra partners. Oversee day-to-day financial operations (accounts payable/receivable, expense policies, month-end coordination) and handle legal logistics like NDAs and vendor agreements. * Talent, HR & Culture: Manage hiring and on-boarding cycles. Own the application tracking, conduct initial screening calls, coordinate interview loops, and ensure a world-class onboarding experience for new hires. Act as a culture carrier and organize team events. * Fundraise, Board and Investor Support: Partner with the founders on fundraising efforts. Support investor relations, build out the data room, assist with pitch deck narratives, and draft investor updates. * GTM, Partnerships & Communications: Facilitate SpAItial’s external voice. Help on our social media presence, draft newsletters, and assist with early Go-To-Market motions by conducting market research and setting up initial sales pipelines. KEY QUALIFICATIONS * 3+ years of high-impact experience in a fast-paced startup environment, such as a high-growth ventures (ideally deep-tech focused), management consulting, venture capital, investment banking, or similar. * Startup DNA and Systems Thinking: Proven track record of building structured environments, realizing processes, and building scalable, lightweight systems from scratch. * Financial & Legal Literacy: You are comfortable reading a P&L, navigating a spreadsheet model, and reviewing contracts without getting lost in the legalese. * Exceptional Communication: You write incredibly clear, concise memos, emails, and public posts (e.g., on social). You can distill complex information into actionable insights for the team and external stakeholders. * Technical Empathy: While you don't need to write code, you must be able to quickly grasp complex deep tech concepts (AI, computer vision, foundation/world models) to effectively communicate with our engineers, investors, and commercial partners. * Low Ego, High Output: You are willing to do whatever it takes to move the company forward, from high-level strategic planning to mundane administrative tasks. NICE TO HAVE * Prior experience as a Founder, Chief of Staff, or early operations hire at a deep tech or AI-focused startup. * Familiarity with modern startup operational tooling (e.g., Notion, Ashby, Google Workspace and of course Claude agents). SpAItial is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Westwing

JOIN OUR TEAM As a Chief of Staff to the CEO, you will be the strategic right hand to our CEO, Andreas, and create huge leverage at the highest level of Westwing. This is a massive-impact role for someone who combines sharp strategic and analytical thinking with a strong understanding of brand, customers, and aesthetics, helping us build the Superbrand in Design. You will work directly with the CEO, the Executive Team, and Senior Leadership to drive our most important strategic priorities, sharpen our operating rhythm, and ensure real accountability across the business. We are looking for someone exceptionally smart, bold, and commercially sharp, someone who is not afraid to challenge C-level stakeholders, always with a clear view on what creates value for our customers and strengthens Westwing’s position as the Beautiful Living company. This position is permanent and based in Munich. WHAT YOU'LL DO * Act as a true force multiplier for the CEO by owning critical topics, preparing and driving key decisions where C-level thinking, commercial judgment, and a strong sense for Westwing’s market positioning are required * Own and continuously sharpen Westwing’s strategic operating rhythm, including Group strategy, OKRs, executive meetings, senior leadership conferences, and key cross-functional decision forums * Drive accountability by challenging C-level and Senior Leadership stakeholders, following up relentlessly on commitments, escalating blockers, and ensuring that strategic priorities translate into measurable business impact for Westwing and our customers * Own the Group level KPI dashboard and leverage data and AI-enabled analytics to create transparency on business performance, strategic progress, risks, and trade-offs, enabling the CEO and Executive Team to make faster and better decisions * Prepare high-stakes CEO and governance moments, including Supervisory Board meetings, executive presentations, strategic storylines, decision papers, and performance narratives reflective of Westwing’s premium standards as a design brand YOU COME WITH * 8+ years of relevant experience in business building, strategy, and/or consulting, ideally with a proven track record of leading a business or commercial unit (beyond early-stage founding); experience in consumer/lifestyle businesses is a clear plus * Outstanding strategic acumen, commercial judgment, and analytical sharpness, with the ability to quickly understand complex business challenges, identify what really matters, and turn ambiguity into action * A strong sense for customers, brand, and aesthetics, ideally with a genuine interest in interior design, lifestyle, and premium consumer experiences * Exceptional executive communication skills in English (German is a plus), with the confidence and credibility to challenge senior stakeholders, push for clarity, and escalate when needed * Excellent storylining and presentation skills, with the ability to turn complex analysis, strategic options, and business performance data into sharp decision papers, Board materials, and CEO-ready narratives, ensuring materials are also visually compelling * A true ownership mindset, high resilience, and the ability to get things done in a fast-paced environment through a strong balance of relentless drive, sound judgment, and social intelligence WHY WESTWING If you are looking for a place where ambition meets creativity, where ideas turn into impact fast, and where people are trusted to grow - you have found it. At Westwing, we’re building the Superbrand in Design with a team that’s shaping the future of beautiful home & living. Here is what you can look forward to: * A high-performance culture built on trust, feedback and collaboration * An inspiring, international environment that empowers you to think big, take ownership, and grow beyond your comfort zone * A flexible hybrid setup with 3 office days per week - because strong connections and quick collaboration make great ideas happen * Work-from-anywhere opportunities for up to 4 weeks per year - as fresh perspectives spark bold ideas * A competitive compensation package including salary, benefits, and equity * 30 days of paid holiday to rest, recharge, and come back ready to create * A beautiful, centrally located, dog-friendly office with inspiring spaces, a sunny terrace, and good food - designed for moments that energise and connect * Exclusive discounts - 40% off Westwing Collection, 20% off third-party brands (each on non-reduced items), 10% Family & Friends discount, plus special-occasion vouchers * Wellbeing support through mental health resources, sports memberships, and preventive care * Sustainable mobility options with discounted public transport and JobRad - moving with purpose and care for the planet * Support for working parents, including our on-site Westwing Wichtel daycare and a partnership with multilingual provider Elly & Stoffl * One annual Social Impact Day to give back to a cause you care about - because being human is our true superpower * Team rituals that celebrate results and togetherness - from Movie Nights and Oktoberfest to Summer & Winter Parties ABOUT US Westwing, Europe’s #1 in Beautiful Living e-commerce, is present in 20+ European countries and achieved a GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume) of EUR 507 million in 2025. As Europe’s premium one-stop destination for Design Lovers, it offers a unique brand experience with a carefully curated assortment of the Westwing Collection and 3rd party design brands. The integrated platform combines Shop, Daily Specials, Stores, the B2B Service (Westwing Business) and the Westwing Design Service. Westwing’s team works together on its shared purpose to “Excite people to create homes that unlock the full beauty of life”. Founded in 2011, Westwing is headquartered in Munich and went public on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in October 2018. Our team is a diverse group of professionals aiming for high performance, working together at a fast pace in an inspiring, international and informal environment that enables you to grow your career while working with a brand and products our customers love. We’re made up of passionate people who are creative enough to disrupt the status quo, brave enough to fail and smart enough to win. So come, be part of the “wow, you work at Westwing?” crowd. Diversity is deeply rooted in our culture. Our mission doesn’t stop to inspire only your design choices, it continues to embrace an inclusive lifestyle filled with respect to everyone’s uniqueness, cultural differences and equal opportunity. DEPARTMENT Executive Office