Principal - Space Technology & Government Affairs

About SpaceTech Capital I LP

SpaceTech Capital I LP operates as a growth-stage infrastructure venture fund dedicated to investing in the space economy. The fund targets companies that are pioneering applications, infrastructure, and services which are transforming access to space and fostering both commercial and government acceptance. Its mission is to back founders developing fundamental technologies and services anticipated to unlock over a trillion dollars in economic value.

Position Summary

We are searching for a distinguished technical leader with extensive government space program and defense contracting experience to fill the Principal role in Space Technology & Government Affairs. This position serves as a crucial liaison between the investment team and portfolio firms, delivering expert technical due diligence, supporting government customer engagement, and shaping strategic approaches for governmental market opportunities. Candidates should bring 15+ years of practical involvement with entities like the DoD, NASA, Space Force, DIU, or leading defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, or L3Harris.

Core Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive technical due diligence on space technology investments, focusing on assessing technical feasibility, Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), and government qualification standards.
• Analyze companies’ technological approaches against government requirements and industry benchmarks.
• Evaluate regulatory, compliance, and security frameworks including ITAR, CMMC, DCAA, DFARS, and National Security Reviews.
• Advise the investment committee with technical recommendations based on due diligence outcomes.
• Guide portfolio companies’ technical teams on government-grade engineering best practices and documentation standards.
• Utilize established connections within DoD, NASA, Space Force, and DIU to pinpoint procurement opportunities for portfolio firms.
• Assist portfolio companies in navigating government contracting channels such as SBIR/STTR, OTA, FFP, CPFF, CPIF, STRATFI, TACFI, SpEC, and DIU CSO.
• Connect portfolio companies with relevant government customers and technical experts.
• Offer guidance on government market analysis including sizing, probability of success, and engagement strategies.
• Support contract capture efforts and proposal development phases.
• Provide strategic insights on emerging government space priorities, mission requirements, and technology shortfalls.
• Identify impactful technology sectors and government spending trends aligned with the fund’s investment thesis.
• Keep the investment team informed on government sector dynamics, competitive landscapes, and timing opportunities.
• Advise on collaborations and relationships with government and prime contractors.
• Nurture and expand government and military agency relationships, as well as with prime defense contractors.
• Represent the fund at relevant industry summits, government assemblies, and strategic meetings.
• Broker partnerships between portfolio companies and government stakeholders.
• Assist Limited Partners with education on government market prospects and the fund’s unique positioning.

Required Qualifications

• Over 15 years of direct experience within government space programs such as DoD, NASA, Space Force, or DIU, or as a senior technical figure at major defense contractors including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, General Dynamics, Boeing, or Raytheon.
• In-depth technical knowledge in space system architecture, propulsion, communications, power systems, autonomy, sensors, or related specialties.
• Proven expertise in program management, systems engineering, and maintaining robust government customer relationships.
• Thorough understanding of government contracting mechanisms, procurement processes, and key regulatory frameworks (ITAR, CMMC, DCAA, DFARS, National Security Review).
• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Active or recently held Secret-level security clearance preferred; Top Secret clearance is advantageous, or the ability to secure such clearance.
• Strong communication skills capable of conveying complex technical issues to investment stakeholders.
• Strategic mindset paired with credible technical knowledge.
• Based in New York City or ready to relocate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced academic credentials (M.S., Ph.D.) in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related technical area.
• Experience with venture capital, startup investing, or corporate development in technology or defense sectors.
• Familiarity with Space Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), NASA JPL, or comparable government technical organizations.
• Expertise in cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, or novel propulsion methods.
• Experience collaborating through government technology programs like SBIR/STTR and OTA.
• Track record of published research or patents within the space technology arena.
• Knowledge of the commercial space market and NewSpace business models.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary that reflects experience and qualifications.
• Annual bonus based on performance.
• Access to carried interest participation on fund investments.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Support for professional growth including conference attendance.
• Opportunity to establish and lead the government affairs division within the fund.

Why Join Us

This role represents a unique chance for a seasoned government space or defense technologist to pivot into venture capital while applying deep domain expertise and connections. You will significantly contribute to identifying breakthrough space technologies, shaping investment strategies focused on a trillion-dollar market, and influencing the growth of transformative companies. Unlike traditional venture capital positions, this role integrates commercial innovation with government adoption, where your technical credibility and market understanding drive impact.