Sr. Government Affairs Manager

Washington, DC Until 9/21/2026 H-1B sponsor history First posted May 7, 2026 Last posted July 23, 2026
Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MANAGER 

As a member of the SpaceX Government Affairs team, you will support SpaceX and Starlink’s business and growth objectives through direct federal lobbying efforts and strategic coalition building on a range of issues, including telecommunications, broadband, and artificial intelligence. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Support SpaceX Government Affairs by serving as a front-line advocate for SpaceX on key policy areas, including broadband, artificial intelligence, and other related issues
  • Shape SpaceX legislative strategies, tactics, and policy development for the federal government
  • Develop, maintain, and build-upon a network of relationships with federal government officials, lawmakers, and regulatory decision-makers, as appropriate
  • Oversee and manage consultants and third-parties engaged in SpaceX government affairs matters
  • Draft legislative language, attend hearings, draft hearing testimony, and develop policy positions
  • Monitor and analyze domestic policy developments
  • Prepare presentations for key audiences for SpaceX leadership
  • Perform research as needed, develop policy and collateral materials

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 10+ years of professional experience working on legislative matters in the private sector or a government organization

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Advanced degree (MA, JD, PhD) in science, policy, or political science, international affairs, or another relevant field
  • Outstanding written and verbal communications skills
  • Experience working on policy issues directly related to aerospace, artificial intelligence, breakthrough technology, or telecommunications at federal regulatory agencies or legislative committees/bodies
  • Direct experience in achieving definitive legislative outcomes
  • Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems
  • Demonstrated ability to forge coalitions and partnerships
  • Passion for SpaceX's mission and goals

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be willing to travel, <25%
  • Must be willing to attend political and industry events on behalf of SpaceX
  • Flexibility required, including long hours and weekend work when necessary to support operations and critical project timelines
  • This position is based in Washington, DC and requires being onsite – remote work not considered

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
    
Pay range:    
Sr. Manager, Government Affairs: $150,000.00 - $205,000.00/per year    
    
Your actual level and 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.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX 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.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [email protected]

About this role

Summary

Support SpaceX's policy strategies, build government relationships, and influence legislation.

Job title

Sr. Government Affairs Manager

Experience level

10+ years

Industry

aerospace

Location requirements

On-site in Washington, DC, no remote work.

Salary

Pay range: Sr. Manager, Government Affairs: $150,000.00 - $205,000.00/per year

Visa sponsorship

H-1B sponsor history

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

legislative experiencenetworkingpolicy analysiscommunicationdrafting

Preferred skills

aerospace policyartificial intelligencetelecommunicationscoalition-buildingproblem solving

Specializations

policylobbyinglegislationregulatorycoalitions
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Washington, DC, USA

On-site City