Investment Associate / Fellow (Hard Tech)

Clera

$120K — $180K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Strong technical background in engineering, applied science, or related field
  • 2-5 years of experience in the hard tech/deep tech ecosystem
  • Hands-on experience with aerospace, defense, robotics, space launch, or advanced manufacturing companies
  • Intellectual curiosity to quickly evaluate novel technologies
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Self-starter mentality with high ownership and initiative

Responsibilities

  • Lead technical due diligence on investments in hard tech verticals
  • Run proactive outbound sourcing to identify early-stage founders
  • Meet and evaluate founders frequently to develop sector pattern recognition
  • Build and maintain a deep network within the hard tech ecosystem
  • Contribute to investment memos, market maps, and portfolio support
  • Represent the firm at industry events and technical communities

Benefits

  • Two-year fellowship term with exposure to early-stage deal flow and firm operations
Full Job Description
About the Role

A Los Angeles-based early-stage venture capital firm focused on hard tech is hiring a full-time Investment Associate / Fellow for a two-year term. This is a specialized seat at the intersection of deep technology and American industrial renewal - covering drones, defense, robotics, space, and advanced manufacturing. If you want to build a world-class investment network and develop conviction in the companies rebuilding critical infrastructure, this role is for you.
What You'll Do
  • Lead technical due diligence on prospective investments across hard tech verticals (drones, defense, robotics, space, advanced manufacturing)
  • Run proactive outbound sourcing to identify and engage early-stage founders
  • Meet and evaluate founders on a daily basis, developing strong pattern recognition across the sector
  • Build and maintain a deep professional network across the hard tech ecosystem
  • Contribute to investment memos, market maps, and portfolio support
  • Represent the firm at industry events, labs, and technical communities
What We're Looking For

Required:
  • Strong technical background - engineering, applied science, or a related field
  • 2-5 years of experience, ideally within the hard tech / deep tech ecosystem
  • Hands-on experience at or close familiarity with companies operating in areas such as: aerospace, defense, robotics, space launch, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, energy, or adjacent sectors
  • Intellectual curiosity and the ability to quickly evaluate novel technologies
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for memos, outreach, and founder relationships
  • Self-starter mentality with high ownership and initiative

Nice to Have:
  • Prior experience in venture capital, investment banking, or startup operations
  • Existing network within the hard tech / new defense / new space community
  • Experience at a high-growth, engineering-driven company

Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Salary: $120,000 - $180,000 USD annually
  • Two-year fellowship term with meaningful exposure to early-stage deal flow and firm operations
Location

This is a full-time, on-site role based in Los Angeles, CA. Candidates must be available to work from the LA office.

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