International Strategy & Policy Manager

Axiom Space; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space seeks an experienced International Strategy & Policy Director to shape global engagement, translating space ambitions into policy positions. You will work across government relations, business development, and executive strategy to influence international policy and market access.

This role requires navigating EU policy, export control considerations, and multi-jurisdictional compliance while aligning internal teams for coherent global strategy and growth.

Qualifications

• Education background in law/public policy and 10+ years in international strategy or policy
• Ability to translate policy into business strategy and actionable guidance
• Experience with European regulatory environments and government relations

Responsibilities

• Track, analyze, and interpret international space legislation and policy developments
• Develop horizon-scanning to identify regulatory risks and opportunities
• Collaborate with BD and Sales to align growth with policy strategy
• Navigate foreign government relations and international procurement processes
• Support messaging for internal leadership and external partners
• Coordinate with European entities to maximize policy engagement and market access
• Work with legal/finance/operations to align regional activities with strategy

Skills

Policy analysis

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in legal or public policy

MPA/MPP or JD preferred

Tools

Regulatory databases

Job description

Axiom Space is a human space exploration company, building era-defining space infrastructure and delivering technology-driven solutions that will empower civilization to transcend Earth. Beginning with Axiom Station, successor to the International Space Station, the company is pioneering a next-generation orbital settlement that will foster groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity and drive the global space economy of tomorrow. Today, guided by the vision of leading humanity's expansion off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and beyond. For more information about Axiom Space, visit www.axiomspace.com. Axiom Space fosters a work environment inclusive of all perspectives. We are the pioneers of commercial space, leading the transformation of low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace. Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic International Strategy & Policy Manager who is fueled by high accountability, execution horsepower, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY

Since Axiom Space is a very complex work environment, we are looking for a resilient, high-energy International Strategy & Policy Director who will serve as a key architect of Axiom Space's global engagement strategy, translating the company's commercial space ambitions into coherent international policy positions. This role sits at the intersection of government relations, business development, and executive strategy, requiring a sophisticated understanding of the evolving global space policy landscape and the ability to drive cross-functional alignment across the organization.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Track, analyze, and interpret emerging international space legislation and regulatory frameworks, with particular focus on the EU Space Act and related European Union space policy developments, and assess potential impacts on Axiom Space's operations, partnerships, & market access.
• Develop and maintain an ongoing horizon-scanning function that identifies policy trends, regulatory risks, and areas requiring proactive engagement before they become operational constraints.
• Partner closely with Business Development and Sales teams to build structured processes that ensure international growth opportunities are evaluated and pursued in alignment with Axiom's global policy and regulatory strategy.
• Serve as a strategic resource to BD and Sales teams navigating foreign government relationships, international procurement processes, and multi-jurisdictional compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with the U.S. Government Relations team to develop clear, consistent, and compelling strategic messaging for both internal and external audiences.
• Translate complex international policy developments into actionable guidance for senior leadership and accessible communications for external partners, foreign government stakeholders, and industry audiences.
• Support the Director, Global Strategy in efforts to achieve Chief Strategy Officer goals in developing a rigorous assessment framework for international engagement opportunities, defining criteria for prioritizing conferences, bilateral meetings, and high-level diplomatic engagements.
• Support the operational integration and strategic positioning of Axiom Suisse and other European entities, ensuring that Axiom's European presence is leveraged effectively for policy engagement, partnership development, and regional market access.
• Coordinate with internal legal, finance, and operations teams to align European office activities with the company's broader international strategy.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience 10+ years of experience in international strategy and policy Bachelor's degree in legal or public policy, required MPA/MPP or JD, preferred 5+ years of experience in international policy, government relations, or aerospace/technology policy, with demonstrated exposure to European regulatory environments

Track record of making things happen in ambiguous, fast-moving environments Uses good judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges Demonstrated organization skills to meet tight deadlines with high-quality results Core Skills Passion for space and the mission Entrepreneurial, growth mindset High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally Tech-solutioning in using systems and tools to move smarter and faster Core Competencies: Embody our core values of leadership, innovation, and teamwork. In addition, to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: Accountability Technical Rigor Execution Discipline Pride of Delivery

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task.

Requirements

This position may require access to export controlled technical data or technology subject to NASA regulations, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). In accordance with U.S. export control laws, final candidates may be required to undergo additional export control screening to determine eligibility for access. Meeting these requirements is a condition of employment. Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time) May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time)

Equipment and Machines

Standard office equipment (PC, phone, printer, etc.)

Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Axiom Space is building the world’s first commercial space station – Axiom Station. Serving as a cornerstone for sustained human presence in space, this next-generation orbital platform fosters groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity, and cultivates the vibrant, global space economy of tomorrow. Today, driven by the vision of leading humanity's journey off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services to the International Space Station and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and low-Earth orbit. Axiom Space is building era-defining space infrastructure that will empower our civilization to transcend Earth for the benefit of every human, everywhere.