Vice President, Government Relations

Job description

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge. For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles. Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more. We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet. ABOUT THE ROLE As VP, Government Relations, you will define and lead Apex’s government engagement strategy across federal, state, and local stakeholders. This role will be responsible for building and managing relationships across the U.S. Government ecosystem to advance Apex’s strategic priorities, support customer engagement, and help shape the regulatory and policy environment surrounding the next generation of space infrastructure. This is a highly cross-functional, externally facing leadership role that sits at the intersection of government, business development, policy, and strategy. You will work closely with executive leadership, business development, legal, and engineering teams to drive coordinated engagement across civil, defense, and regulatory stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings deep experience navigating government organizations, exceptional relationship-building skills, and strong strategic judgment. Responsibilities - Develop and execute Apex’s government relations strategy across federal, state, and local government stakeholders in alignment with company priorities. - Build and maintain trusted relationships with key government officials, agency leadership, legislative staff, regulators, and industry partners across defense, civil, and commercial space sectors. - Support customer engagement and strategic growth initiatives by coordinating closely with business development and executive leadership teams. - Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, budgetary, and policy developments relevant to Apex’s business and customer base. - Help shape policy positions, messaging, and engagement strategies related to national space initiatives, commercial space infrastructure, and related aerospace priorities. - Coordinate and support executive engagement with government stakeholders, including meetings, site visits, industry events, conferences, etc. - Represent Apex within relevant trade associations, industry groups, and government-facing forums. - Support strategic expansion initiatives, including engagement with state and local governments related to facilities, incentives, workforce development, and regional partnerships. - Prepare briefing materials, talking points, white papers, and executive-level communications to support government engagement efforts. - Advise company leadership on political engagement strategy, including the direction and priorities of Apex’s PAC, to support long-term business and government affairs objectives. Requirements - 15+ years of experience in government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, business development, or related roles within aerospace, defense, national security, or adjacent industries. - Experience across government, with depth of experience across HAC-D / SAC-D / HASC / SASC / HPSCI / SSCI and/or the Executive Branch with emphasis on acquisitions - Strong understanding of U.S. Government budgeting, acquisition, and policymaking processes, particularly across defense and space-related organizations. - Demonstrated ability to build and maintain senior-level relationships across government and industry stakeholders. - Experience developing and executing engagement strategies that support business growth and long-term strategic objectives. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing executive-facing and government-facing materials. - Strong strategic thinking, judgment, and ability to navigate complex organizational and political environments. - Comfortable operating in a high-growth, fast-paced startup environment with significant ownership and ambiguity. - Willingness to travel as needed for customer, government, and industry engagements. - U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export-controlled data. - Active TS/SCI security clearance or the willingness to apply for one. #LI-HC1 WHY JOIN APEX? Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one. WHAT WE OFFER FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES: - Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create - Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost - Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays - Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2% - 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel - Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day - Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family - Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self - World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life - Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, 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.