Vice President of Public Policy bei Venusaero

Who We Are

Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

 

The Role: Vice President of Public Policy
The Vice President of Public Policy will lead Venus Aerospace’s company-wide public policy and government engagement strategy. Reporting directly to the CEO, this executive will shape the organization’s approach to defense, aerospace, and national security policy, manage senior-level relationships across Congress, federal agencies, and international stakeholders, and ensure that policy initiatives align with business priorities and growth objectives. 

 

This is a highly strategic role, requiring a proven executive capable of balancing thought leadership, advocacy, and organizational management, while directly influencing corporate strategy at the board and executive level. 

Strategic Policy Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive public policy and government engagement strategy aligned with corporate vision and growth objectives. Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors on policy, regulatory risk, and public-sector opportunities. Anticipate and shape policy and legislative developments that impact Venus Aerospace and the broader aerospace and defense ecosystem. 

Government Relations & Advocacy: Lead senior-level engagement with Congress, federal agencies, and other relevant stakeholders, advancing company priorities and elevating organizational visibility. Represent Venus Aerospace at industry, defense, and policy forums, acting as the company’s principal spokesperson on policy matters. Build executive-level internal processes to track policy developments, government interactions, and advocacy outcomes. 

Business Integration & Growth Support: Partner with Business Development, Operations, Legal, and other functions to align policy strategy with government-funded programs, contracts, and capture efforts. Contribute to long-term government market strategy, including customer expansion, pipeline development, and pursuit strategies. Manage external advisors, lobbyists, and consultants to maximize policy impact and business results. 

Executive Team & Board Support: Collaborate with the CEO and senior executives on government-related initiatives, policy risks, and advocacy priorities. Provide high-level briefing materials, strategic insights, and recommendations to the Board of Directors. Drive cross-functional alignment across the company on public policy priorities, ensuring consistent messaging and execution. 

Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing public policy and government relations team as the company scales. Establish organizational structures and processes to ensure sustainable policy engagement and compliance. 

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, law, international relations, or related field 

15+ years of government relations, public affairs, or policy leadership experience 

Proven experience engaging senior government leaders and executives in high-stakes, politically sensitive environments 

Deep understanding of federal government processes, especially defense, aerospace, and national security 

Demonstrated ability to influence corporate strategy and drive alignment across executive teams 

Exceptional written, verbal, and executive communication skills 

Track record of building and leading high-performing teams 

Mission-driven, collaborative, and strategic mindset 

Master’s degree in public policy, law, or international affairs 

Prior experience in Congress, DoD, State Department, or other relevant federal agencies 

Existing relationships across defense, aerospace, and national security stakeholders 

Experience supporting government-funded programs, appropriations, or regulatory strategy 

Background in deep tech, aerospace, or defense companies at a growth-stage