Director of Defense

Lux Aeterna•Denver, CO

6d•$250,000 - $300,000

About The Position

The Mission Space is the bleeding edge for humanity's next industrial revolution. While reusable rockets have opened the door, true economic transformation requires infrastructure that makes orbit as accessible and reliable as air travel. At Lux Aeterna, we're building that future by developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability - transforming space from a one-way street into a two-way highway for innovation and commerce. The Opportunity Lux Aeterna is seeking an exceptional Director of Defense to drive and close defense capture efforts that convert national security mission demand into contracted revenue while establishing the repeatable acquisition pathways required to scale defense bookings. This is not a pipeline-building role. This is a contract-closing role. The role will leverage deep, direct experience inside or alongside priority target organizations converting Lux Aeterna’s reusable satellite platform into funded government work, unlocking contract vehicles, and translating technical capability into executable programs aligned to mission priorities. This role reports directly to the Head of Growth and will operate within a lean, high-caliber BD team. Given the company’s stage, this position offers substantial operating latitude, direct access to executive leadership, and significant room for professional growth as Lux Aeterna scales its national security footprint. Operating Context Lux Aeterna is developing reusable reentry-capable satellite infrastructure supporting national security and dual-use missions. Technical interest and mission alignment exist across multiple defense customers. The immediate requirement is converting that demand into funded programs and establishing the capture infrastructure to sustain growth. Long Term Scope Capture Execution Identify, shape, and close fundable opportunities across non-traditional acquisition pathways. Build program-office champions, influence requirement formation, and advance pursuits from concept to awarded scope. Contracting Pathways Unlock acquisition vehicles capable of supporting rapid funding flow and follow-on expansion. Proposal Leadership Drive white papers and proposals end-to-end, coordinating internal technical inputs and external proposal resources. Technical Translation Convert mission demand into executable program constructs, integration concepts, and fundable work packages. Operate as the interface between customer operators and engineering teams. Program Expansion Structure pursuits for transition and scale. Convert pilots into follow-on programs and repeat revenue pathways. 6-Month Directive Within two quarters, this leader will: Identify and shape fundable opportunities aligned to Lux Aeterna’s platform Focus on dedicated missions - multi-year contracts at 7 figures. Must have an ability to find contract opportunities in an environment where SIBR opportunities are not available Leverage existing relationships to secure white paper invitations and direct engagement within 60 days Navigate and close contracts through BAAs, OTAs, CSOs, Prime subcontracts, or direct awards Deliver at least one meaningful contract award generating government revenue

Requirements

5+ years in defense growth, capture, programs, or related operational leadership.
Demonstrated success converting mission demand into awarded government contracts.
Deep understanding of non-traditional acquisition pathways (OTA, SBIR, CSO, BAAs)
Existing relationships within priority target organizations
Fluency in non-traditional acquisition pathways and rapid funding environments for space hardware applications.
Experience leading proposal strategy and technical narrative development.
Ability to operate credibly across customer, acquisition, and engineering stakeholders.
Experience in national security space, missile defense, responsive space, or tactically responsive launch ecosystems.

Nice To Haves

Active network of decision-makers and program managers.
An engineering degree and/or prior military service.
Experience within priority target organizations

Responsibilities

Identify, shape, and close fundable opportunities across non-traditional acquisition pathways.
Build program-office champions, influence requirement formation, and advance pursuits from concept to awarded scope.
Unlock acquisition vehicles capable of supporting rapid funding flow and follow-on expansion.
Drive white papers and proposals end-to-end, coordinating internal technical inputs and external proposal resources.
Convert mission demand into executable program constructs, integration concepts, and fundable work packages.
Operate as the interface between customer operators and engineering teams.
Structure pursuits for transition and scale.
Convert pilots into follow-on programs and repeat revenue pathways.
Identify and shape fundable opportunities aligned to Lux Aeterna’s platform
Focus on dedicated missions - multi-year contracts at 7 figures.
Leverage existing relationships to secure white paper invitations and direct engagement within 60 days
Navigate and close contracts through BAAs, OTAs, CSOs, Prime subcontracts, or direct awards
Deliver at least one meaningful contract award generating government revenue