VP of Strategy

VP of Strategy

Auriga Space Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Auriga is revolutionizing propulsion and launch by developing all-electric, reusable electromagnetic launch systems. Our technology accelerates payloads and vehicles to hypersonic speeds using electricity instead of chemical propellants, delivering dramatic improvements in cost, reliability, launch frequency, and operational responsiveness for defense and space missions.

We are a fast-moving, vertically integrated team of engineers and builders based in Garden Grove, CA, focused on turning cutting-edge R&D into field-ready systems for hypersonic testing, missile defense, responsive space access, and beyond.

Role Overview

As VP of Strategy , you will be a key member of the leadership team, shaping Auriga's long-term direction and ensuring our electromagnetic launch technology aligns with evolving customer needs in the government defense and commercial space sectors. You will bridge technical innovation with market and mission requirements, driving strategic growth while navigating the complexities of defense acquisition and space industry dynamics.

This role is ideal for a seasoned leader with deep space and/or defense expertise who thrives in a startup environment and wants to make a direct impact on next-generation launch capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and Execute Company Strategy : Lead the creation and refinement of Auriga's overall strategic roadmap, including market entry, product prioritization, and technology roadmap alignment with defense and space priorities.
• Government and Defense Alignment : Translate warfighter and mission needs into actionable product and partnership strategies. Identify and prioritize opportunities within USSF, DoD, and related agencies, while ensuring compliance with acquisition processes and regulatory requirements.
• Business Development Support : Collaborate with the business development team to shape capture strategies, develop CONOPS, white papers, and proposals. Provide strategic guidance on positioning Auriga's technology for government contracts and demonstrations.
• Partnerships and Ecosystem Building : Cultivate high-level relationships with primes, government partners, investors, and research institutions. Drive strategic alliances that accelerate development and adoption.
• Market Intelligence and Competitive Analysis : Monitor defense/space trends, emerging requirements, and competitive landscapes to inform decision-making and risk mitigation.
• Internal Leadership : Work closely with the CEO, engineering, and programs teams to ensure strategic coherence across R&D, manufacturing, and testing efforts.
• Investor and Stakeholder Communications : Support fundraising efforts and board-level reporting by articulating Auriga's vision, progress, and strategic value.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in strategy, program management, or senior leadership roles within aerospace, defense, or space organizations.
• Strong technical understanding of space systems, launch technologies, hypersonics, or electromagnetic systems. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Astronautics, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and implement growth strategies in complex, regulated environments. Experience transitioning innovative technologies from R&D to operational use.
• Hands-on, collaborative, and execution-focused. Comfortable in a fast-paced startup where you roll up your sleeves while providing high-level direction.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape the future of reusable, all-electric launch systems at a well-funded, mission-driven startup.
• Competitive compensation, equity, and benefits.
• Direct impact in a small, high-performing team working on hardware that matters for national security and space access.
• Collaborative environment with rapid iteration and real-world testing.

ITAR Requirements:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More details on ITAR are available on the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls website.

Auriga provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Auriga, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.