Director, Government Affairs

Overview

Director, Government Affairs

Seal Beach
• Washington D.C.

Business Development
• Remote
• In office
• Full-time

Astro Forge 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, Astro Forge 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 Astro Forge’s presence in Washington, DC and help shape the policy, budgetary, and legislative environment that supports deep-space commercial operations.

The Government Affairs Director will lead Astro Forge’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 Astro Forge’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.

• Conduct day-to-day advocacy on Capitol Hill and with Executive Branch agencies to advance Astro Forge’s government priorities
• Support Astro Forge’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 Astro Forge at relevant policy, industry, and government-facing events in Washington, DC
• Track and report on policy developments that could impact Astro Forge’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 Astro Forge’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

• 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

• 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

• 100% paid medical, dental,…