Head of Space Force & Defense Programs

United States (remote / hybrid), with travel as needed
Contract

Head of Space Force & Defense Programs

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Location: United States (remote / hybrid), with travel as needed

About SkyMapper

SkyMapper is building a global, distributed network of ground-based sensors - telescopes and all-sky cameras - to observe the sky in real time. Originally designed for astronomy and open science, the platform is expanding into space domain awareness (SDA/SSA), satellite monitoring, and defense-aligned sensing, using commercial hardware, distributed deployments, and advanced data fusion.

Our mission is to provide resilient, scalable, and verifiable observations of objects in orbit and in the sky, supporting both civilian and national security use cases.

Role Overview

SkyMapper is seeking a senior leader with direct United States Space Force experience to lead our engagement with the US Space Force and adjacent defense and intelligence organizations.

The Head of Space Force & Defense Programs will report directly to the CEO and serve as the primary interface between SkyMapper and US national security stakeholders. This role is responsible for translating US Space Force operational needs into scalable, commercial, and dual-use capabilities - bridging space operations, intelligence, and SkyMapper’s distributed sensing network.

This is a strategic, hands-on role at the intersection of space operations, ISR, and commercial innovation. It is not a traditional defense contracting position.

Core Responsibilities

US Space Force & Defense Engagement

  • Serve as SkyMapper’s primary point of contact with the US Space Force, USSPACECOM, and related defense stakeholders
  • Support discussions, pilots, demonstrations, and early operational deployments with USSF units
  • Build trusted relationships with operators, planners, and acquisition teams

Operational Translation

  • Translate space operations and SSA/SDA requirements into clear product, network, and data needs
  • Advise internal teams on operational concepts, cueing, tasking, resilience, and redundancy
  • Ensure SkyMapper capabilities align with real-world Space Force mission workflows

Intelligence & ISR Integration

  • Support integration of SkyMapper data into ISR and cueing environments
  • Understand how observations move from collection to exploitation to decision-making
  • Advise on data fusion, alerting, and operational relevance

Product & Strategy Input

  • Contribute to SkyMapper’s product roadmap with a defense and operations perspective
  • Help define dual-use boundaries that preserve SkyMapper’s civilian and scientific mission
  • Avoid over-customization while ensuring operational credibility

Risk, Compliance & Governance Awareness

  • Advise leadership on data sensitivity, export control considerations, and operational boundaries
  • Help SkyMapper navigate defense engagement responsibly without becoming a classified-only vendor

External Representation

  • Represent SkyMapper in Space Force-adjacent forums, workshops, and innovation programs
  • Support proposals for defense innovation initiatives, pilots, and government programs

Required Background

United States Space Force Experience (Required)

  • Current or former US Space Force officer, senior enlisted leader, or civilian equivalent
  • Direct experience within one or more of the following:
    • Space Operations Command (SpOC)
    • Space Systems Command (SSC)
    • STARCOM
    • 18th Space Defense Squadron (18 SDS) or equivalent SSA-focused units
    • Operational or requirements roles supporting USSPACECOM

Intelligence / ISR Exposure (Strongly Preferred)

  • Experience working with or alongside:
    • Space Delta 7 (ISR)
    • NRO-supported or NRO-coordinated programs
    • Joint or combined space ISR environments

Skills & Attributes

  • Deep understanding of space operations and space domain awareness
  • Strong systems-level thinking across sensors, data, and operations
  • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving startup environment
  • Clear communicator across technical, operational, and executive audiences
  • Sound judgment around dual-use technologies and data sensitivity

What This Role Is (and Is Not)

This role is:

  • Strategic and operational
  • Focused on real mission needs and early integration
  • Central to SkyMapper’s US defense growth

This role is not:

  • A traditional defense contractor program manager
  • A weapons or kinetic space role
  • A sales-only or lobbying position

Why Join SkyMapper

  • Shape how commercial, distributed sensing integrates into future US space operations
  • Influence requirements early, before architectures are locked in
  • Work directly with the CEO and product leadership
  • Help define a new model for resilient, dual-use space sensing

How to Apply:

Please send your resume/CV and a succinct cover letter describing your experience and interest in the position to career@skymapper.io.

ONLY RESUMES SENT TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS WILL BE CONSIDERED.

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