Director of State and Local Government Affairs

Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space. The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits. With multiple launches in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply. **The Role** K2 Space is seeking a Director of State and Local Government Affairs to build and sustain the company's presence and relationships across California's state and local government ecosystems. This role will focus on the California State Legislature, the Governor's office, relevant state regulatory agencies, and local government bodies in the Los Angeles area, with the goal of driving awareness of K2, navigating policy and regulatory hurdles, and building the company's reputation as a top aerospace company in the state. You'll bring deep California political experience and an established network to represent K2, brief state, local, and federal VIPs, and identify key events and opportunities to advance K2's presence throughout the state. This is a high-visibility role for someone who knows how to navigate California politics and wants to help shape the state and local landscape for a fast-growing company that is disrupting the commercial space sector. **Responsibilities** - Build and sustain K2 Space's presence and relationships across California state and local government, with a focus on the State Legislature, the Governor's office, relevant state agencies, and Los Angeles-area local government - Develop and execute K2's California state and local engagement strategy to drive awareness, unlock support for growth plans, and navigate potential policy or regulatory hurdles - Brief state, local, and federal VIPs on K2's mission, priorities, and growth plans - Lead planning and execution for hosting officials and other VIPs at the factory - Identify and attend key state and local events relevant to K2 to build visibility and relationships - Monitor state and local legislative and regulatory activity relevant to K2's business and keep leadership informed of developments and opportunities - Register as a state lobbyist if required and represent K2 Space in direct engagement with state and local officials - Build relationships with legislative staff, agency officials, and local government stakeholders across the political spectrum - Work closely with the government affairs and communication teams to ensure seamless communication and strategy execution across all levels of government **Qualifications** - 7-12+ years of experience in government or government affairs at the state or local level in California or Los Angeles or Sacramento, respectively - Strong existing California political network - Effective briefing skills to represent K2 before state, local, and federal policymakers and related groups - Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate highly-technical subjects into clear policy positions and decision points for government officials - Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and work across the company to achieve outcomes - Based in Torrance or Sacramento, California, with regular travel to K2 Space's Washington, DC, office and other locations as needed **Nice to Have** - Experience in aerospace, defense, or space industry policy - Existing relationships within the California State Legislature, Governor's office, or Los Angeles city/county government **Compensation and Benefits:** - Base salary range for this role is $190,000 - $270,000 + equity in the company - Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level - Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged! If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know. **Export Compliance** As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.” The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by [22 C.F.R. § 120.15](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/22/120.15) or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license. **Equal Opportunity** K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.