Director of Capture & Proposal Operations
Lodestar
Director of Capture & Proposal Operations
Lodestar
In-orbit robotic servicing for satellites
Lodestar is the software-first space prime for the hardware abundant era. We believe the next generation of space systems will be defined not by launch, fuel, and batteries, but by software, compute, and autonomous effects.
Space is becoming an increasingly contested warfighting domain, with growing threats to the satellites and critical infrastructure underpinning modern life. Maintaining Western strategic advantage will require a new generation of space capabilities built for the speed, complexity and scale of future conflict.
Lodestar is addressing this challenge by building superintelligent spacecraft capable of operating autonomously in orbit. Combining our capabilities in advanced adversarial tracking & characterisation, onboard edge compute and autonomous effect delivery, our technology enables spacecraft to execute complex rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), detect and classify objects, predict intent and respond to orbital threats - even in denied environments. By integrating sensing, reasoning and action into a single autonomous system, we aim to deliver decisive situational awareness and space superiority for defence and commercial operators.
Backed by elite deep-tech venture capital, international space agencies and government stakeholders, Lodestar is rapidly expanding its footprint across the U.S. Space Force, the Department of War, and major commercial satellite operators. We are a lean, high-autonomy team of engineers and operators building the space defense infrastructure of tomorrow.
Join us.
As the Director of Capture & Proposal Operations, you will own the end-to-end lifecycle of our federal acquisition pipeline. Moving beyond traditional business development, you will lead the strategic shaping, competitive positioning, and rigorous execution of high-value proposals for the U.S. Space Force (USSF), SpaceWERX, Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO), Space Development Agency (SDA) and other Department of War (DoW) and Intelligence Community (IC) entities. This role sits at the intersection of strategy and tactical execution, translating technical capabilities into compliant, high-scoring, and winning programmatic bids, including formal Request for Information (RFIs), Request for Proposal (RFPs), Other Transaction Authority (OTAs), Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO’s), Broad Agency Announcements (BAA’s), etc.). You will autonomy to manage, grow and shape your future team, directly contributing to the strategic vision for Lodestar.
In this role you will report directly to the VP, Commercial and Federal and/or Chief Business/Revenue Officer. You will work closely with the other Commercial Leads (Business Development, Mission Operations, Government Relations, Growth and Marketing) to develop a strategic vision and execution plan to grow Lodestar’s federal business and operations.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Political Science, Business, or a related field required. Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
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 ITARhere.
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in theform of stock options, and access tomedical, vision and dental coverage, as well asaccess to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Lodestar is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Lodestar 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.
Lodestar Space builds space robotics services that inspect, protect, and repair satellites and orbital infrastructure with a modular, dexterous robotic arm. The arm operates in harsh space environments and uses supervised autonomy guided by a computer-vision system and a proprietary neural network to interact with both cooperative and uncooperative targets without a fixed parts catalog. The platform-agnostic design lets the arm integrate with any launch provider or spacecraft, enabling in-orbit servicing across customers and missions. The goal is to extend satellite lifespans, protect assets, and support space infrastructure by delivering reliable autonomous manipulation capabilities for orbital operations.
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