Start-up Operations Intern (60-100%)

We are looking for a fast-learning, hands-on Start-Up Operations Intern to support our day-to-day operations, strategic projects, and funding activities. In this role, you will work closely with the Founder’s Associate and get exposure to all areas of company-building - from HR and finance to marketing, sales, and investor support. You’ll take ownership of critical tasks, switch easily between strategic and operational work, and help keep our fast-paced start-up running smoothly. The position is on-site at our office in Dübendorf (Zürich), where you’ll experience the energy of a deep-tech team working at the forefront of innovation in electronics. If you’re a generalist who loves learning, tackling new challenges, and getting things done, we’d love to hear from you. Don’t worry if you don’t meet all the requirements - reach out anyway. We value motivation, curiosity, and a willingness to learn over a perfect fit.

Focus topics at our start-up change quickly, but here are some key areas you’ll work on:

• Build for scale: You’ll play a key role in helping us lay the foundation for a scalable company. This means setting up smart internal processes, creating structure where needed, and identifying areas where things can run more smoothly. We’re looking for someone who brings their own ideas, spots inefficiencies, and isn’t afraid to try new tools or approaches. Whether it’s automating workflows with Make, improving team coordination, or building systems from scratch, you’ll have the freedom to shape how we work as we grow.

• Drive projects: Support planning and execution of cross-functional projects. You’ll help structure timelines, track progress, prepare updates, and ensure follow-ups happen. Acting as a central point of coordination, you’ll support the team, maintain documentation, and keep projects moving on time and aligned with priorities.

• Funding: Support our non-dilutive funding applications. This involves finding relevant grants, competitions and managing the application process. You will gather necessary information from the team, write or edit applications, and keep track of deadlines. As a start-up this is a vital area and directly contributes to our runway, making it a high-impact responsibility.

• Know the numbers: Support our finance efforts by keeping models and forecasts up to date, working closely with our internal team and external accountants. You’ll use Excel to track expenses, revenues, and funding, and run basic analyses to inform decision-making. You’ll also help identify and apply for non-dilutive funding - researching opportunities, gathering data, and preparing application documents. This role is ideal if you enjoy working with numbers and want to learn how startup finances really work.

• Grow the team: Help us grow and support the team by taking part in our hiring and onboarding processes. You’ll draft job posts, review applications, coordinate interviews, and stay in touch with candidates. Once someone joins, you’ll make sure their onboarding runs smoothly - from paperwork to IT setup and first-day welcome. You’ll also help keep employee records up to date and support team-building initiatives.

• Smooth operations: Support the running of our day-to-day business operations. Your tasks will include monitoring expenses, coordinating with legal counsel, managing incoming invoices, and staying in close contact with our external accountant to keep everything on track.

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A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree is preferred but not required. We welcome candidates from diverse fields such as business, economics, engineering, or social sciences. Prior experience in a start-up or fast-paced environment is a strong plus. Most importantly, you should be able to show that you’ve succeeded in roles with ambiguity, shifting priorities, and multiple responsibilities.

• Attitude and mindset: You’re proactive and resourceful - if something needs doing, you naturally step in and handle it. You’re equally comfortable with small tasks and larger projects, with a strong desire to learn and grow.

• Analytical and problem-solving skills: You’re someone who can start from scratch, quickly research and implement best-practice solutions, and adapt them to our needs. You enjoy breaking down ambiguous problems into clear, actionable steps and can work independently to find answers. Comfort with numbers and financial concepts are essential, as you will support tasks like forecasting, financial analysis, and runway calculations.

• Organizational skills: Exceptional organization and time management - you can juggle multiple projects and keep each on track. You have an eye for detail - whether it’s catching an error in a financial model or proofreading a slide deck - and take take pride in delivering quality work.

• Communication skills: Strong communication skills in English - both written and verbal - are essential. German skills are a plus but not required. You’re a team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment, with the professionalism to engage with lawyers, investors, and business partners.

• Tools: You should be proficient in Excel (or Google Sheets) and able to create clear, well-structured presentations in PowerPoint. Familiarity with collaboration tools like Notion or Slack is a plus, but can also be learned on the job. Experience with automation tools like Make is highly valued, and while coding isn’t required, an affinity for low-code tools or basic scripting (e.g. building scenarios in Make) is a strong advantage.

• Impact and learning: You’ll be working directly with the Founder’s Associate on high-impact projects across operations, funding, strategy, and support commercial efforts. This role offers a front-row seat to how a deep-tech start-up is built - from prototype to product and lab to market.

• Mentorship: You will work closely together with the founding team, gaining insights into decision-making and execution at leadership level. As you grow, the role can expand, with new responsibilities shaped around your strengths and interests.

• Team and culture: We’re a small, close-knit team with a family-like atmosphere and diverse cultural backgrounds. We foster an open, feedback-driven, and collaborative culture. You’ll play a role in shaping the day-to-day experience in our office.

• Compensation: We offer a 6-month full-time internship with competitive salary, and standard Swiss employment benefits. If you’re relocating, we’ll support your move and help you get settled in Zurich.

• Future opportunity: If it's a mutual fit, there's potential to transition into a permanent role. We're looking to grow the team with people who are excited to grow together with us.  
  
  … and the best coffee in Zurich :)

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