Position Overview:

As the Director of Regulatory Affairs, you will own the full spectrum of licensing, compliance, and government engagement required to design, test, and operate reentry vehicles. You will be a core member of the leadership team, working directly with engineering, mission ops, legal, and the C-suite to ensure our programs are structured for regulatory success.

This is a high-visibility, high-autonomy role. You will build the regulatory function, hire your team, and set the strategic approach to FAA/AST licensing, NOAA remote sensing, FCC spectrum coordination, ITAR/EAR compliance, and export licensing. You will also serve as our primary relationship manager with regulatory agencies and Capitol Hill staff.

Key Responsibilities:

Licensing & Certification

• Lead all FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) launch and reentry license applications, modifications, and renewals
• Own payload review coordination and launch site operator agreements
• Manage NOAA Office of Space Commerce licensing for any remote sensing or Earth observation payloads
• Coordinate FCC spectrum filings for telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) systems
• Interface with range safety offices on safety approvals and launch corridor authorizations
• Oversight of internal Flight Safety Analysis

Export Control & Trade Compliance

• Own the company's ITAR/EAR compliance program, including commodity jurisdiction determinations, license applications (DDTC/BIS), and TAA/MLA reviews
• Advise engineering and business development teams on export control implications of technology transfers, international partnerships, and foreign national access
• Maintain and update Technology Control Plans (TCPs) and ensure compliance with facility security requirements

Government & Policy Engagement

• Serve as the company's primary point of contact with FAA-AST, NOAA, FCC, State Department, and relevant DoW stakeholders
• Monitor and respond to proposed rulemakings, policy changes, and Congressional activity affecting commercial reentry
• Represent the company at industry forums (COMSTAC, Commercial Space Federation, AIAA) and in meetings with Congressional staff and agency leadership
• Contribute to industry-wide advocacy efforts on streamlining the Part 450 reentry vehicle licensing framework

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Embed with engineering and mission operations to ensure regulatory requirements are translated into design constraints and test planning early in the development cycle
• Partner with Legal on liability indemnification analysis, third-party risk, and government contracting (FAR/DFARS) compliance
• Build and lead a small but growing regulatory team; set internal processes, templates, and a compliance culture that scales with the company
• Advise leadership on regulatory risk, licensing timelines, and go/no-go criteria for key program milestones

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance; must meet ITAR requirements.
• 8+ years of experience in commercial space regulatory affairs, aerospace licensing, or a closely related government/industry role
• Deep, hands-on knowledge of FAA Part 450 (or legacy Part 417/431/435) launch and reentry licensing processes
• Demonstrated experience obtaining or managing reentry vehicle licenses, payload reviews, or experimental permit applications
• Strong working knowledge of ITAR/EAR export control regulations; experience managing a compliance program
• Track record of direct engagement with FAA-AST, NOAA, FCC, or other relevant federal agencies at a staff and leadership level
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills - you can translate complex regulatory requirements into plain language for engineers and executives alike

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior experience at a commercial launch or reentry vehicle company
• Background in systems engineering, mission assurance, range safety, or another technical aerospace discipline
• Active DoD or IC security clearance
• Existing relationships at FAA-AST, NOAA OCC, USSPACECOM, or on relevant Congressional staff
• Experience with NASA payload manifesting, CRADA agreements, or Space Act Agreements
• Graduate degree in aerospace engineering, public policy, or a related field

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.

The California annual base salary for this role is currently $190,000 - $260,000. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

ITAR Compliance:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.