Sr. Government Program Development Manager (Government Compute/ Intelligence Community)

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. SpaceX Government Sales is expanding the team to support the deployment of Starshield capabilities for the U.S. Government.

SpaceX is seeking a mission-oriented, results-driven Senior Manager to lead Government Program Development and business growth across the Intelligence Community, focusing on AI and classified compute that amplify overhead space systems. This role expands our IC footprint by identifying and advancing space/AI opportunities aligned with national security priorities, requires deep understanding of mission-aligned agentic frontier models plus the ability to communicate their scaled-compute applications to technical and non-technical audiences, and demands knowledge of government procurement processes along with the energy, initiative, and dependability to own mission-critical outcomes with new government partners.

• →Develop and execute a strategy for government stakeholder engagement, support capture efforts, and help drive a development pipeline for AI and compute solutions addressing complex intelligence and operational challenges
• →Identify, build, and maintain relationships with key Intelligence Community decision-makers, program managers, and technical evaluators across space and AI portfolios
• →Identify new business opportunities and grow existing programs, finding new ways to fuse space sensing and AI into quantifiable new lines of effort and revenue sources
• →Shape and lead SpaceX responses to RFIs, RFPs, Sources Sought, and other government solicitations with technical content, compliance matrices, and differentiated value propositions
• →Conduct internal and external coordination across multidisciplinary teams, ensuring close coordination with engineering, mission management, finance, and contracts in program development phase
• →Continuously refine engagement roadmap based on internal strategies, mission needs, customer feedback, and competitive analysis.

• Bachelors degree
• 5+ years of experience in business development or account management within the Intelligence Community or broader federal national security space including, but not limited to FBI, DOD, CIA, DISA, ODI, and/or other federal agencies

• Advanced degree in science, policy, business, international affairs, or another relevant field
• Direct experience supporting program development with IC agencies (e.g., DIA, NGA, NSA, CIA, or related organizations)
• Experience leading capture for start-ups, AI companies, or cloud compute business areas
• 2+ years of technical project management, systems engineering, or Government space systems acquisition experience
• Experience modernizing Government AI/ML capabilities, AI agent workflows, generative AI applications, and ML lifecycle management tailored to government while meeting stringent regulatory and security standards
• Experience partnering with cloud hyperscalers or other business-related system integrators
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing complex government sales cycles or program development, specifically in AI/ML, data analytics, and aerospace
• Familiarity with federal procurement processes and contract vehicles commonly used in the IC
• Experience operating in or supporting classified environments
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment; must exhibit high ownership, initiative, and accountability

• This position is based in Washington DC and requires being onsite full-time – hybrid and remote work will not be considered
• Must be willing to travel to other company sites, vendors, and customers as necessary, up to 25% travel
• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX 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.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.