AstroForge is building the world’s first commercial asteroid mining company. We design, build, and operate deep-space spacecraft capable of reaching, characterizing, and operating at near-Earth and deep-space asteroids. Backed by significant private investment and supported by active NASA and Department of Defense engagements, AstroForge is pioneering a new class of dual-use deep-space missions spanning planetary defense, space domain awareness, and in-space resource utilization.

As our government engagement accelerates, we are seeking a Government Affairs Manager to strengthen AstroForge’s presence in Washington, DC and help shape the policy, budgetary, and legislative environment that supports deep-space commercial operations.

Job Description

The Government Affairs Director will lead AstroForge’s day-to-day engagement with Congress, Executive Branch agencies, and key policy stakeholders. This role is focused on practical advocacy and budget alignment, not abstract policy work.

You will work closely with AstroForge’s executive leadership and business development team to support federal funding pathways, legislative engagement, and strategic positioning across NASA, the U.S. Space Force, DoD, and relevant agencies.

This role is ideal for someone with Capitol Hill or federal agency experience who understands the federal appropriations and authorization cycles, and how to build support for new and emerging technology (ideally space) companies.

Responsibilities

Conduct day-to-day advocacy on Capitol Hill and with Executive Branch agencies to advance AstroForge’s government priorities
Support AstroForge’s federal legislative, budget, and engagement strategies in coordination with business development and leadership
Monitor and analyze federal budgets, appropriations, and authorization activity relevant to space, defense, and planetary science
Draft briefing materials, talking points, and background memos for meetings with Congressional offices and agency leadership
Support preparation of hearing testimony, legislative language, and policy positions when appropriate
Build and maintain relationships with Congressional staff, committee staff, agency officials, and industry partners
Represent AstroForge at relevant policy, industry, and government-facing events in Washington, DC
Track and report on policy developments that could impact AstroForge’s missions, programs, or long-term strategy
Work closely with the Business Development team to translate policy and budget activity into actionable customer and program opportunities
Support capture and pre-capture efforts by identifying emerging programs, funding wedges, and non-traditional acquisition pathways
Help position AstroForge’s technical capabilities within agency roadmaps, program concepts, and mission needs
Assist in preparing customer-facing materials and engagement strategies for government stakeholders
Track and communicate government engagement outcomes that inform proposal strategy and long-term revenue planning

Requirements

6-12 years of experience working in Congress, a federal agency, or a government-facing policy or advocacy role
Demonstrated knowledge of the federal budget and appropriations process
Experience supporting or executing a political, legislative, or advocacy effort
Familiarity with U.S. space, defense, or science policy landscapes
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to operate independently in a fast-moving, startup environment
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
Registered as lobbyist or ability to register

Preferred Requirements

Experience with space-related agencies such as NASA, the U.S. Space Force, or DoD
Familiarity with federal contracting, acquisition, or innovation programs
Experience working with authorization and appropriations committees
Advanced degree in public policy, political science, law, or a technical field
Existing relationships within the DC space or national security ecosystem
Experience with defense tech and space tech companies

Benefits

100% paid medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
Vision and FSA benefits available
3 weeks of PTO + 1 week of sick time
10 paid Holidays
Retirement savings plan – 401(k), with company match
Equity on the ground floor of a startup

Salary

Level III: $175,250 - $188,500

Level IV: $185,250 - $200,500

Level V: $195,250 - $209,810

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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