Director of National Security Partnerships

Katalyst Description: Katalyst is an American technology company focused on d ynamic space operations . We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to creat e the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and 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 space exploration that 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. You’ll 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 it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best. Oh, and we're dog friendly! Benefits: Stock options & equity Medical, dental, and vision coverage 401(k) Unlimited PTO Catered lunches What You’ll Do Build, maintain, and own strategic relationships across U.S. national security space mission partners, primes, integrators, FFRDCs, labs, and other ecosystem participants relevant to Katalyst’s mission portfolio. Develop stakeholder strategies for organizations such as USSF, USSPACECOM, USAF, NRO, and other government partners, identifying mission owners, technical influencers, acquisition stakeholders, budget owners, decision timelines, and barriers to entry. Shape opportunities early by connecting government capability gaps to credible Katalyst solutions, developing clear value propositions and mission concepts, and creating the internal alignment needed before formal solicitations or funding decisions. Own or lead capture strategy from opportunity qualification through award, including win themes, competitive positioning, teaming strategy, customer engagement 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 pathways appropriate to the opportunity. Partner closely with Product, Engineering, Programs, Mission Operations, Finance, Contracts, Security, and executive leadership to ensure external commitments are technically feasible, properly scoped, resourced, and aligned with company strategy. Build and maintain a disciplined national security opportunity pipeline with clear qualification criteria, next actions, relationship ownership, probability, timing, funding path, competitive posture, and decision gates. Support and lead external briefings, capability demonstrations, white papers, RFIs, proposals, oral presentations, industry engagements, and executive-level meetings; communicate Katalyst’s technical 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. What We’re Looking For Required Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience. Technical, aerospace, defense, policy, business, or national security degrees are all relevant if paired with strong mission and acquisition fluency. 10+ years of experience in national security acquisitions, business development, capture, partnerships, government programs, defense technology, or a closely related role. <span data-ccp-props