Investment Associate – Hard Tech

Clera

Investment Associate at Los Angeles-based venture capital firm focused on hard tech. Leading technical due diligence and building networks within the hard tech ecosystem.

Posted 7/10/2026full-timeLos Angeles • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $120,000 - $180,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

Requirements

What you’ll need

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

Benefits

Comp & perks

Two-year fellowship term with meaningful exposure to early-stage deal flow and firm operations

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

EngineeringApplied ScienceTechnical EvaluationInvestment AnalysisMarket MappingPattern RecognitionVenture CapitalStartup OperationsAerospaceRobotics

Soft Skills

Intellectual CuriositySelf-Starter MentalityHigh OwnershipInitiative