Government Partnership Lead

Scout Space is building a new way to see and operate in space: with a new paradigm of data empowering every satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly-growing team; we are deploying real solutions to orbit over the next 2 years; and our work will transform the face of spaceflight. We are looking for people that bring excitement and energy to our organization, are curious and eager to learn, and want to help drive our programs forward.

Scout Space is seeking a mission-driven Government Partnership Lead with a Top Secret/SCI clearance to drive strategic engagement with U.S. Government stakeholders, including the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), Space Force, and civil space agencies. This role will be instrumental in shaping requirements, securing partnerships, and expanding Scout’s presence across SDA-relevant government programs.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and manage trusted relationships with key stakeholders across the DoD, Intelligence Community (e.g., NRO, NGA, DIA), Space Systems Command (SSC), Space Development Agency (SDA), DARPA, AFRL, NASA, and congressional offices.
• Act as the primary interface between Scout’s executive leadership and government partners, translating mission needs into actionable opportunities.
• Lead capture and proposal development efforts across national security space programs, with a focus on SDA, tactical ISR, and orbital characterization missions.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with internal Product, BD, and Engineering teams to develop solutions aligned to customer requirements.
• Track and influence federal space policy, legislation, and budget cycles impacting SDA and related mission domains.
• Represent Scout at classified and unclassified government forums, industry working groups, and conferences.
• Support contract negotiations, SBIR/STTR submissions, STRATFI/TACFI pathways, and Other Transaction (OT/OTA) efforts.

Required Qualifications

• Active or inactive Top Secret/SCI (TS/SCI) clearance is required.
• 5+ years of experience in defense, intelligence, or government partnerships, including roles involving customer engagement, acquisition strategy, or program development.
• Established network within the IC, DoD, and/or civil space agencies.
• Understanding of space domain awareness, orbital operations, and national security space architectures.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and strategic planning skills.
• Eligible to hold a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience working with or within IC agencies such as NRO, NGA, DIA, or associated mission support offices.
• Familiarity with acquisition programs such as SBIR/STTR, STRATFI/TACFI, and OT/OTA contracts.
• Experience at a high-growth, dual-use space or defense technology company.

Benefits

• Open Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401k Matching
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care FSA
• Wellness Stipend
• Work From Home Stipend
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability plans
• Commuter Benefit
• Education Reimbursement

Don't fulfill all the qualifications listed above? If you still feel like you might be a good fit, please feel free to APPLY ANYWAY. We believe in a well-rounded team, and this sometimes means that someone with out-of-context knowledge can contribute just as well as someone with very explicit alignment with our capabilities needs stated.

Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote fashion. Our preference is for candidates in or around this area (or willing to relocate) as we scale our facilities and engineering team to provide more opportunities to work and collaborate in-person.

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

Scout Space Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, a protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.

We’re Proud to Prioritize Mental Health. Scout Space has been recognized with the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America. This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment where mental well-being is valued, protected, and openly talked about. We know that when people feel seen and supported, great work happens, and that is the kind of culture we are building here at Scout Space.

Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Summary pay range: $120,000 - $200,000