Government Affairs Lead

At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.   With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration.  Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space.  The Government Affairs Lead supports and advances ispace-U.S.’s civil space policy and government engagement efforts, with a primary focus on NASA programs supporting lunar exploration and commercialization. This role plays a key part in strengthening ispace-U.S.’s positioning within NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative and broader Artemis-era lunar infrastructure activities. This individual will work closely with internal leadership and external stakeholders to execute engagement strategies, support policy advocacy, and help build trusted relationships across NASA, Congress, and the civil space policy community. Over time, this role is expected to take increasing ownership of specific engagement areas and policy priorities. Key Responsibilities

Engage directly with relevant Congressional offices and Executive Branch agencies, including NASA, OMB, OSTP, and related offices

Advocate for ispace’s space capabilities and business model across the U.S. government

Partner closely with the the US-CEO, EVP of Business Development and other leadership to prepare for and support meetings with key government decision-makers

Represent ispace at space conferences, congressional events, industry forums, and government customer engagements

Contribute to the development of targeted engagement strategies to communicate ispace’s capabilities and support new business development efforts

Collaborate with the Business Development team to identify relevant government budgets, market opportunities, and competitive dynamics

Draft briefing materials, policy summaries, talking points, and internal memos to inform U.S. and HQ leadership decision-making

Track appropriations and authorization activity, summarize legislative developments, and support advocacy related to current or proposed legislation

Coordinate and support meetings with NASA, Department of Commerce, Department of State, the White House, and Congressional stakeholders

Participate in industry coalitions and working groups, supporting ispace’s policy priorities and positions

Support press briefings, background conversations, and coordination with communications partners as needed

Participate in cross-functional projects, task forces, and special initiatives as assigned

Required Qualifications

7+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, legislative affairs, or related roles within aerospace, defense, or advanced technology sectors

Working knowledge of U.S. space policy, congressional processes, and federal agency operations

Experience engaging with or supporting interactions with U.S. government stakeholders, including Congress or federal agencies

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting policy or briefing materials

Ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment

Collaborative, self-motivated, and comfortable operating with limited structure

Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred

U.S. work authorization required

What Makes You Stand Out!

Prior experience with or exposure to NASA, DoD, Congress, or a commercial aerospace or space technology company

Exposure to international or multinational collaboration environments

Familiarity with commercial space regulations, export controls, or international space cooperation frameworks

Experience coordinating with outside consultants or advisors

Experience working in matrixed or cross-functional organizations

Comfort participating in public forums, panels, or external meetings

An active member of high-profile and influential boards or committees, including the National Security Space Committee, AIAA, CSF, the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee, or Washington Space Business Roundtable, etc. 

Attributes for Success!

Credible, prepared, and thoughtful contributor in external and internal discussions

Comfortable navigating ambiguity and evolving policy environments

Mission-driven, collaborative, and values-oriented

Strong attention to detail paired with an understanding of broader strategic context