Director, U.S. Department of War; DoW Strategy

Director, U.S. Department of War (DoW) Strategy

Salary: $/yr – $/yr

Apex manufactures satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society, ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

About the Role

As Director of U.S. Department of War (DoW) Strategy
, you’ll shape how Apex partners with the U.S. Government to advance national security in space. You’ll serve as the primary interface between Apex and the DoW Community, connecting government mission needs with our rapidly evolving satellite platform capabilities.

This high‑impact role requires both strategic vision and hands‑on execution. You’ll influence government acquisition programs, build relationships with key decision‑makers, and ensure Apex’s product roadmap aligns with the priorities of the DoW and the broader national‑security ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute Apex’s strategy for engagement with the U.S. DoW, aligning satellite capabilities with mission requirements across intelligence and defense agencies.
• Build and maintain senior‑level relationships with acquisition offices, legislators, and DoW leadership to shape program needs and establish Apex as a trusted industry partner.
• Shape and qualify new programs by understanding acquisition timelines, funding pathways, and technical requirements, informing Apex’s pursuit strategy and market positioning.
• Partner internally with Product, Engineering, Finance, and C‑Suite teams to translate mission needs into roadmap priorities and deliverable capabilities.
• Collaborate with Business Development to support proposal strategy, teaming approaches, and competitive bids to prime contractors and integrators.
• Represent Apex externally at industry events, trade shows, and government forums to increase awareness, strengthen partnerships, and advocate for the company’s vision.
• Monitor and assess DoD and IC market trends, acquisition reform efforts, and funding cycles to inform Apex’s long‑term strategy.
• Advise senior leadership on strategic opportunities, risks, and partnerships to grow Apex’s presence within the national‑security space domain.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in business development, strategy, or program management within the U.S. Government or at a DoW contractor.
• Proven track record building partnerships with government customers, primes, and integrators in national‑security space markets.
• Strong technical understanding of satellite systems, subsystems, and constellation architectures.
• Deep familiarity with the U.S. space acquisition landscape.
• Experience writing government proposals and program execution, including shaping requirements and capture strategy.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, growth‑stage environment with shifting priorities and emerging opportunities.
• Exceptional communication, influence, and stakeholder management skills across technical, business, and policy domains.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Engineering, hard sciences or Business).
• U.S. Person status required to access export‑controlled data.

Nice‑to‑Haves

• TOP SECRET security clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Engineering or technical background enabling deeper engagement with customer mission needs and Apex’s product offerings.

Why Join Apex?

Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast‑growing startup backed by $200M in Series D funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

Benefits

• Shared upside:
  Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create.
• Best‑in‑class healthcare: 100% company‑paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost.
• Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge – starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays.
• Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching – 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%.
• 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work‑related travel.
• Daily catered…