Operations Administrator

Position: Operations Administrator

Location: Arlington, VA (On-Site)

Beacon Photonics is creating revolutionary optical microsystems to disrupt traditional laser markets. Founded by pioneers in the field of integrated photonics, we are a dynamic tech startup at the forefront of optical innovation. Our heterogeneous photonics technology enables high-performance products that provide unparalleled advantages in cost, size, and functionality for communications, sensing, and quantum systems. We are a dedicated group of world-class engineers and scientists devoted to realizing transformative capabilities and solving real-world problems.

We are seeking an Operations Administrator to join our rapidly growing team. In this role, you will support and strengthen the day-to-day operations that enable Beacon Photonics to operate efficiently and scale effectively. The Operations Administrator will work across the organization to coordinate purchasing, vendors, workplace operations, employee support, financial administration, and other operational activities. This is an execution-focused role for someone who is comfortable working independently, managing multiple priorities, and taking ownership of getting things done in a fast-paced startup environment.

Responsibilities:

• Support day-to-day business operations across procurement, facilities, administration, employee support, and other operational functions, including office supplies, inventory, shipping/receiving, maintenance requests, and general workplace needs.
• Coordinate purchasing, vendors, and financial administration, including purchase requests, order tracking, vendor communications, invoice processing, expense documentation, AP/AR support, and coordination with external accounting partners.
• Coordinate employee and company logistics, including onboarding, offboarding, benefits administration support, travel, meetings, events, and other administrative activities.
• Maintain operational records and documentation, including vendor, financial, administrative, and compliance-related records.
• Support operational projects and process improvements by documenting procedures, identifying issues, coordinating follow-up, and helping implement solutions.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, operations, finance, accounting, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 2+ years of professional experience in business operations, operations management, business administration, or a related field.
• Proficiency with MS Office and ability to quickly learn new software and business systems.
• Familiarity with basic business financial processes, including invoices, expenses, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities and consistently follow through on commitments in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving priorities.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experience working in a startup, small business, or rapidly growing organization.
• Experience with procurement, purchasing, vendor and inventory management, facilities, office operations, or workplace management.
• Experience with government contracting and compliance.
• Experience with accounting or business management software, as well as HR operations, employee onboarding, or related administrative processes.
• Experience supporting SOP and process documentation, project management, cross-functional coordination, government contracts, compliance programs, audits, or other regulated environments.

Beacon Photonics has offices in Arlington, VA and Santa Barbara, CA. We value innovation, collaboration, open and honest communication, and a passion for technology. Come build your future with us! Our benefits include competitive compensation and employee stock ownership. We provide generous family medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, holidays, parental leave, and paid time off. Beacon is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to sustaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by law.

Estimated Salary Range: $60K – $90K

Actual compensation for the role will be commensurate with the candidate’s education, work experience, skills, incoming position, and responsibilities.

This position involves access to technology that may be subject to U.S. export controls. Such access is granted to U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful permanent residents, certain categories of refugees and asylees, and those who can obtain appropriate export control licenses from the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce.