Chenel Capital Partners
SpaceTech Capital I LP is a growth-stage infrastructure venture fund investing in the space economy. We target market-defining companies across applications, infrastructure, and services that are reshaping access to space and driving commercial and government adoption. We seek founders building the critical technologies and services that unlock the next $1 trillion in economic value.
Position Summary
We are seeking an exceptional technical leader with deep experience in government space programs and defense contracting to join SpaceTech Capital as Principal of Space Technology & Government Affairs. This role bridges our investment team and portfolio companies, providing technical due diligence, government customer development support, and strategic guidance on government market opportunities. You will leverage 15+ years of hands-on experience from DoD, NASA, Space Force, DIU, or the prime defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, others) to evaluate technologies, identify addressable government markets, and accelerate portfolio company growth through government adoption.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Due Diligence & Investment Support
• Conduct deep technical due diligence on space technology investments, focusing on technical feasibility, TRL assessment, and government qualification requirements • Evaluate company technical approaches against government requirements and industry standards • Assess regulatory, compliance, and security requirements (ITAR, CMMC, DCAA, DFARS, National Security Review) • Provide technical investment recommendations to the investment committee • Mentor portfolio company technical teams on government-grade engineering practices and documentation
Government Customer Development
• Leverage deep relationships with DoD, NASA, Space Force, and DIU to identify government procurement opportunities for portfolio companies • Support portfolio companies in navigating government customer development, contracting, and procurement pathways (SBIR/STTR, OTA, FFP, CPFF, CPIF, STRATFI, TACFI, SpEC, DIU CSO) • Connect portfolio companies with government customers and subject matter experts • Advise on government market sizing, win-probability estimation, and customer engagement strategy • Support contract capture and proposal development activities Strategic Advisory & Market Intelligence
• Provide strategic guidance on emerging government space priorities, mission requirements, and technology gaps • Identify high-impact technology areas and government spending trends relevant to SpaceTech Capital’s thesis • Brief investment team on government sector dynamics, competitive threats, and market windows • Advise on technology partnerships and government/prime contractor relationships • Help shape fund investment thesis around government-addressable market segments
Relationship & Network Building
• Maintain and expand relationships with government agencies, military customers, and prime contractors • Represent SpaceTech Capital at industry conferences, government events, and strategic forums • Facilitate partnerships between portfolio companies and government stakeholders • Support LP education on government market opportunities and fund differentiation
Required Qualifications
• 15+ years of direct experience in government space programs (DoD, NASA, Space Force, DIU) OR as a technical leader at a major defense prime (Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, General Dynamics, Boeing, Raytheon, etc.) • Deep technical expertise in space systems architecture, propulsion, communications, power systems, autonomy, sensors, or related domains • Proven track record of technical program management, systems engineering, and successful government customer relationships • Comprehensive understanding of government contracting types, procurement processes, and regulatory frameworks (ITAR, CMMC, DCAA, DFARS, National Security Review) • Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related technical field • Active or recently held Secret clearance (Top Secret preferred); ability to obtain clearance • Strong communication skills with ability to translate complex technical concepts for investment audiences • Strategic thinking combined with deep technical credibility • NYC-based or willing to relocate to New York
Preferred Qualifications
• Advanced degree (M.S., Ph.D.) in aerospace engineering, physics, or related field • Experience with venture capital, startup investing, or corporate development in tech/defense • Experience at Space Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), NASA JPL, or equivalent government technical centers • Background in emerging technologies such as autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, or novel propulsion • Experience with SBIR/STTR, OTA, or other government technology development programs • Published research or patent record in space technology domain • Understanding of commercial space market dynamics and NewSpace business models
Compensation and Benefits
• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and background • Annual performance-based bonus • Carried interest participation on fund investments • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance • Professional development and conference attendance • Opportunity to build and lead government affairs function within the fund
Why Join
This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished government space/defense technologist to transition into venture capital while leveraging your deep expertise and relationships. You will play a critical role in identifying and scaling breakthrough space technologies, shape the fund’s investment thesis in an emerging $1T+ market, and directly impact the success of transformational companies. Unlike traditional VC, you’ll work at the intersection of commercial innovation and government adoption—where your relationships, technical credibility, and market understanding are invaluable.
