Chief Operating Officer – Lead Capital Strategy, Government Growth, and Market Expansion for an Early-Stage Space Company!

Los Angeles, CA | On-site

Opportunity Summary

An early-stage, venture-backed space company is developing advanced spacecraft technologies designed to enable new mission architectures for government and commercial customers. Positioned at the intersection of national security and emerging commercial infrastructure, the company is building differentiated capabilities intended to expand operational performance and long-term mission sustainability in orbit. We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead investor engagement, government business development, and long-term customer growth strategy. This executive will partner directly with the founding team to secure venture capital, establish early government traction, and build enduring relationships across the aerospace ecosystem. The ideal candidate combines fundraising leadership, defense market fluency, and the ability to translate complex technical systems into compelling investment and customer narratives.

This is a foundational leadership role within a high-growth aerospace startup preparing for its next phase of scale.

About Us

We are an early-stage aerospace company developing advanced propulsion and spacecraft systems for demanding mission environments. Our team brings experience across national security, commercial space, and advanced hardware development. We are focused on transforming breakthrough engineering into operational capability through disciplined execution, strategic partnerships, and long-term capital alignment. Our work supports defense applications, emerging commercial infrastructure, and next-generation space architectures.

Job Duties

Investor Strategy and Capital Formation

• Lead outreach to venture capital and strategic investors
• Develop and execute fundraising strategy for Seed and future rounds
• Shape investor messaging, financial models, and diligence materials
• Build long-term relationships with capital partners
• Position the company as a compelling investment opportunity within the space sector

Government Growth and Strategic Engagement

• Establish relationships with national security and civil space stakeholders
• Identify and pursue relevant government contracts and funding pathways
• Support non-dilutive funding efforts including SBIR and related programs
• Secure early letters of commitment and structured government engagement
• Represent the company at defense and aerospace events

Commercial and Long-Term Customer Development

• Lead customer discovery initiatives across commercial and dual-use markets
• Define and refine mission-specific value propositions
• Develop strategic partnerships with commercial space organizations
• Convert early engagement into structured pipeline growth
• Align customer insights with product roadmap priorities

Market Positioning and Operational Scale

• Develop commercialization and market entry strategies
• Guide external messaging to investors, government, and commercial partners
• Support regulatory and compliance planning related to orbital operations
• Track engagement cadence, pipeline health, and growth milestones
• Contribute to long-term scaling and enterprise growth planning

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or deep-technology sectors
• Proven experience leading venture fundraising or investor engagement
• Established network across venture capital, defense, or space industry communities
• Experience working with government customers or national security programs
• Track record of building partnerships and revenue pipelines
• Strong executive communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts clearly
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, early-stage startup environments
• U.S. Citizen with eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Experience

• Executive leadership experience at a venture-backed hardware or aerospace startup
• Experience supporting Seed or Series A fundraising
• Background in advanced spacecraft systems or propulsion technologies
• Familiarity with government acquisition pathways and contracting processes
• Experience commercializing dual-use technologies
• Exposure to regulatory considerations affecting space operations

Why Join Us

• Significant executive ownership in a high-growth aerospace company
• Direct impact on fundraising, government positioning, and strategic direction
• Entrepreneurial environment with strong autonomy and influence
• Opportunity to shape national security and commercial space capabilities
• Equity participation aligned with long-term enterprise value
• Leadership role working closely with a technical founding team

Compensation Details

$225,000 - $275,000