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 RESPONSIBILITIESUS 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 BACKGROUNDUnited 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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Head of Space Force & Defense Programs

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