The Engine
Senior Associate, Operations
TLDR
Support day-to-day operations in a dynamic environment, enhancing the operational flow for startups while fostering community engagement within a hands-on role.
About The EngineThe Engine supports Tough Tech founders working to solve the world’s most pressing challenges in climate, health, and advanced systems. We do this through founder programs, access to shared infrastructure and labs, and by convening a national network of corporate partners, investors, and experts.
Position Summary
Ensure seamless day-to-day building operations, proactively identifying and resolving issues
Support monthly invoicing, contracts, and related processes
Oversee inventory management and ordering for building supplies and shared resources
Manage building access and coordinate building trainings
Foster a welcoming, collaborative environment for our startups
Provide on-the-ground support for programming
Serve as a primary point of contact for startup inquiries and concerns
Own and execute discrete projects and operational workstreams from start to finish
Identify opportunities to improve systems and workflows
Collaborate cross-functionally with internal labs, facilities, and programming teams, as well as external vendors
3–5 years of experience in operations
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and details
A systems thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset — excited to troubleshoot, experiment, and try new approaches
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Energized by a dynamic, on-your-feet environment — someone who enjoys meeting new people and getting a front-row seat to what startups are building
Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively
Flexible, adaptable, and eager to learn; willing to roll up their sleeves across a wide range of projects
Experience in or exposure to startups or similar operational roles
The Engine Accelerator is looking for a Senior Associate of Operations to join our team in Cambridge, MA — someone who brings operational sharpness and genuine curiosity to a 165,000 square foot facility of shop, lab, and coworking space. This is a hands-on, in-person role that sits at the intersection of operational rigor and community — supporting the day-to-day rhythm of our building while helping cultivate a strong, engaged environment for the startups we serve. This is the right role for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset who thrives on variety, moves quickly, takes real ownership, and is genuinely excited to be on the ground floor of a community working on some of the hardest problems in science and technology.
A Day in the Life No two days look the same in this role in this role. You might start the morning restocking supplies and coordinating with a vendor to fix a broken coffee machine, then spend the afternoon supporting a startup with their growth and expansion plans. In between, you're processing invoices, welcoming new team members to the startups in our building, assisting with programming, and finding ways to reduce operational friction so startups can stay focused on building their companies. This role is for someone who is energized by variety and takes pride in keeping things running smoothly — while staying curious about the work happening around them.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Systems
Community Experience
Project Ownership
Qualifications
Nice to Have
Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.
The Engine is a nonprofit incubator and accelerator designed specifically for early-stage Tough Tech companies. We provide 220,000 square feet of fully-managed lab and office space along with vital resources, mentorship, and an extensive network of stakeholders to help founders transform their disruptive technology ideas into impactful businesses. Our focus on Tough Tech sets us apart, as we nurture innovations tackling pressing global challenges.
- Founded
- Founded 2016
- Employees
- 11-50 employees
- Industry
- Professional Services
Senior Associate