Apolink is building the world’s most interoperable satellite relay network in low Earth orbit. Our hybrid communication architecture combines RF and optical inter-satellite links to enable real-time, continuous connectivity for satellite operators across industries.

About Apolink:

Apolink is building the world’s most interoperable satellite relay network in low Earth orbit. Our hybrid communication architecture combines RF and optical inter-satellite links to enable real-time, continuous connectivity for satellite operators across industries.

About The Role:

You will lead Apolink’s government-facing business development efforts across the U.S. federal landscape, including DoD, civil space (NASA, NOAA), intelligence community, and federal research agencies. Your core responsibility is to shape and grow strategic relationships that align Apolink’s relay infrastructure with evolving government missions. This includes identifying pilot and procurement opportunities, developing programmatic pathways, and translating our technical capabilities into federal value propositions. You’ll work directly with the founding team to make government partnerships a pillar of our long-term roadmap.

Responsibilities:

• Build and own pipeline of government and defense customers aligned with Apolink’s growth trajectory

• Develop and execute go-to-market strategy across DoD, NASA, IC, and allied government channels

• Position Apolink capabilities within SBIR/STTR, RIF, DIU, AFRL, SDA, and other relevant contracting pathways

• Work closely with founders to shape pilots, joint R&D efforts, or early deployment opportunities

• Lead proposal writing, teaming arrangements, white papers, and briefings

• Serve as customer voice internally to guide product roadmap, policy compliance, and scaling strategy

• Represent Apolink at key space defense events, roundtables, and within program offices

• Help navigate ITAR, export control, and related compliance topics in early engagements

Qualifications:

• Ability to obtain (or already hold) a U.S. security clearance

• 5+ years of experience in the US Government facing roles in the space, defense, or dual-use technology sectors

• Prior experience selling or shaping opportunities within SDA, AFRL, Space Systems Command, or IC

• Familiarity with DoD acquisition and contracting models (FAR/DFARS, OTAs, SBIRs, etc.)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills — able to translate technical narratives to a mission-first audience

• Entrepreneurial bias toward action; comfortable operating independently in ambiguous settings

• Ability to work in-person or willingness to relocate to Palo Alto, CA

• Willingness to travel for work

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation at Apolink is determined based on role, level, location, and alignment with market benchmarks. Individual base salary is assessed on a case-by-case basis, reflecting job-related experience, technical expertise, and overall fit. In addition to salary, Apolink offers long-term incentives such as stock options and discretionary performance bonuses. Benefits include equity participation, comprehensive health care, 401(k) with company matching, flexible vacation, catered meal credits, and ongoing opportunities for professional development.

Additional Information

To conform to the U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Apolink Communications is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

We're developing a hybrid optical-RF relay constellation to support intersatellite and intrasatellite links using both RF and optical channels, ensuring continuous ground connectivity for satellites in low Earth orbit.