Director of National Security Partnerships

Katalyst Description:

Katalyst is an American technology companyfocused on dynamic space operations.We are building a fleet ofdual-use multipurposerobotic space vehiclestocreate thefuture where maneuvering upgrading refuelingresupplyand exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained responsive operations possible we enable a new era of spaceexplorationthat strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense hands-on and deeply rewarding. Youll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility craftsmanship and doing things the right way even when its harder. Youll work closely with thoughtful driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

WhatYoullDo

• Buildmaintainand own strategic relationships across space mission partners primes integrators FFRDCs labs and other ecosystem participants relevant toKatalystsmission portfolio.

• Developstakeholder strategies for organizations such as USSFUSSPACECOM USAF NRO and other governmentpartnersidentifyingmission owners technical influencers acquisition stakeholders budget owners decision timelines and barriers to entry.

• Shape opportunities early by connectinggovernment capability gapsto credible Katalystsolutions developing clear value propositions and mission concepts and creating the internal alignment needed before formal solicitations or fundingdecisions.

• Own or lead capture strategy from opportunity qualification through award including win themes competitive positioning teaming strategy customerengagement plans gate reviews proposal strategy executive actions and post-submission follow-through.

• Understand and navigate relevant government acquisition and funding pathways such as SBIR/STTR OTA IDIQ/task-order vehicles BAAs CSOs traditional FAR-based procurements and other pathwaysappropriate tothe opportunity.

• Partner closely with Product Engineering Programs Mission Operations Finance Contracts Security and executive leadership to ensure external commitments are technicallyfeasible properly scoped resourced and aligned with company strategy.

• Build andmaintaina disciplined national security opportunity pipeline with clear qualification criteria next actions relationship ownership probability timing funding path competitive posture and decision gates.

• Support and leadexternalbriefings capability demonstrations white papers RFIs proposals oral presentations industry engagements and executive-level meetings; communicateKatalyststechnical and mission value with precision and credibility.

• Create repeatable capture and partnership mechanisms that allow Katalyst to scale national security business development without becoming dependent on informal relationships or individual heroics.

WhatWereLooking For

• Bachelors degree or equivalent practical aerospace defense policy business or national securitydegreesare all relevant if paired with strong mission and acquisition fluency.

• 10 yearsof experience in national securityacquisitionsbusiness development capture partnerships government programs defense technology or a closely related role.

• Demonstrated experience developing relationships with U.S. governmentpartnersand convertingcapability gapsinto funded opportunities contract awards strategic partnerships or measurable advancement toward a programobjective.

• Strong understanding of the U.S. defense / intelligence acquisition environment and the practical differences betweenuserneed program sponsorship budget authority contracting mechanism technical evaluation and award.

• Ability to lead capture activities from ambiguous early-stage opportunity through qualification strategy internal alignment proposal negotiation support and award transition.

• High technical and mission fluency: able to understand complex spacecraft autonomy RPOD mission-operations software or robotics concepts well enough to ask credible questionsidentifyconstraints and communicate value without misrepresenting engineering reality.

• Excellent executive communication and writing skills including briefings white papers capture plans proposal content meeting preparation and clear internal synthesis of external information.

• Ability tooperatewith significant autonomy in a fast-paced environment whilemaintainingdisciplined follow-throughaccurateinformation and high-quality customer engagement.

• Ability toobtain andmaintaina U.S. security clearance andtocomply withapplicable export-control and customer-access requirements.

Your Ideal Background

Preferred

• Prior experience at a high-growth defenseorspace technology company where capture product engineering and program execution had tooperateclosely with limited process and high ambiguity.

• Experience with SBIR/STTR OTA CSO/BAA IDIQ/task-order prototype-to-production or other nontraditional acquisition pathways in addition to traditional FAR/DFARS procurements.

• Existing trusted relationships across the national security space ecosystem paired with evidence that the candidate can create new relationships rather than onlyleveragelegacy contacts.

• Experience supporting classified or sensitive national security space programs with an active U.S. security clearance and sound judgment handling protected information.

• Understanding of government contracting fundamentals including scope statements of work data rights intellectual property security requirements export controls compliance and transition from capture into program execution.

Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills education and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $175000 - $230000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical vision and dental coverage and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130 which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information and as a result Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or national origin.