Regulatory and Policy Manager

Xona Space Systems • Burlingame, CA

8d • $150,000 - $250,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth. With Pulsar – the world’s most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit – Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection. We are seeking an experienced Regulatory & Policy Manager to lead engagement with U.S. and international government stakeholders, regulatory agencies, multilateral organizations, and industry partners across the global space ecosystem. This role will shape the company’s regulatory strategy, support market access and international expansion, influence emerging space policy frameworks, and ensure compliance with domestic and international laws governing commercial space activities. The ideal candidate combines deep knowledge of aerospace and space policy with strong diplomatic, legal, and strategic communication skills. This individual will work cross-functionally with legal, external affairs, government affairs, engineering, business development, and executive leadership teams to advance the company’s strategic objectives worldwide.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, Law, Aerospace Policy, Engineering, or related field; advanced degree (JD, MPA, MBA, or equivalent) preferred.
• 7–15+ years in government affairs, regulatory policy, aerospace, international relations, or related fields, including direct engagement with U.S. government agencies, regulatory bodies, foreign governments, international organizations, and/or diplomatic institutions; background in aerospace, satellite, defense, telecommunications, or advanced technology sectors preferred.
• Strong understanding of commercial space regulations, international space governance frameworks, and geopolitical dynamics, including the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) framework, FCC licensing and spectrum policy, export controls (ITAR/EAR), and national security and defense policy.
• Proven ability to manage complex regulatory initiatives and cross-border policy issues, with demonstrated success influencing policy outcomes and representing organizations in industry associations, working groups, or international forums.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally; full-time, hybrid role based onsite in Burlingame, California or Washington, D.C.
• For U.S. Roles: To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
• For U.K. Roles: To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
• For Canada Roles: Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.

Nice To Haves

• Strategic, geopolitically aware thinker with strong analytical and policy interpretation skills, including the ability to translate technical and regulatory concepts into business strategy and balance commercial priorities with regulatory obligations.
• Exceptional communicator with executive-level presence, outstanding written and policy drafting capabilities, and comfort engaging senior government officials, executives, and international stakeholders.
• Skilled relationship-builder and negotiator with strong stakeholder management, conflict-resolution abilities, and a collaborative, cross-functional leadership style.
• Highly professional, discreet, and adaptable, with sound judgment and the ability to manage ambiguity in complex, fast-moving, and heavily regulated environments.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with deep curiosity about space policy, international affairs, and emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global regulatory and public policy strategies aligned with company objectives, including influencing policy development across spectrum allocation, PNT services, space traffic management, orbital debris mitigation, national security space policy, and international space governance.
• Lead and support engagements with U.S. government agencies (FCC, DoW, FAA, NASA, State, and Commerce) and manage relationships with foreign governments, ministries, regulators, international space agencies, and ITU activities.
• Monitor and analyze evolving domestic and international space regulations, treaties, export controls, and licensing requirements; advise leadership on geopolitical, regulatory, and policy risks impacting commercial space operations.
• Support licensing and authorization processes for launches, satellite operations, and spectrum use; coordinate cross-functional responses to regulatory inquiries, audits, and compliance reviews; and collaborate with legal and technical teams on export control matters.
• Represent the company in international forums, standards bodies, trade associations, and diplomatic discussions; draft policy positions, white papers, consultation responses, and government briefings.
• Build strategic relationships with policymakers, regulators, embassies, and industry stakeholders to support international market entry strategies and government partnership initiatives.
• Track legislative developments, develop internal regulatory risk assessments and mitigation strategies, and assess impacts on business operations and growth opportunities.
• Prepare executives for government meetings, hearings, negotiations, and public engagements; support crisis management and incident response involving regulatory or geopolitical implications; and contribute to long-term corporate strategy for international expansion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior