Director of National Security

About Overview Energy

Overview Energy is a mission-driven team committed to building a new layer of energy infrastructure: satellites in geosynchronous orbit that redirect solar energy to terrestrial solar projects via passively safe near-infrared light. We're in the earliest phase, where every government relationship and every contract we win is built end-to-end by a small, dedicated team. Headquartered in the Northern Virginia / Washington, DC area and backed by world-class investors, we are advancing the next generation of clean energy technology.

About The Role

We're looking for a Director/VP of National Security to own our path from early-stage government engagement to signed programs of record. This is a ground-floor opportunity to define how a technically differentiated, venture-backed company wins in the defense and intelligence market.

You will develop and execute a 5-year government capture strategy — navigating the full acquisition spectrum from SBIRs, FARs and OTAs through AFWERX, SpaceWERX, and ultimately programs of record. You'll work closely with engineering, legal, and executive leadership, serving as the face of Overview Energy across DoD commands, Space Systems Command, and the Intelligence Community.

This role sits within our commercial function and reports to our Co-CEO. It is a high-autonomy, high-accountability role for someone who has done this before and is ready to run.

What you’ll do:

• Develop and own Overview Energy's government capture strategy across a 5-year horizon, targeting a program of record or equivalent revenue contract

• Identify, cultivate, and close relationships with end users, program offices, and decision-makers across DoD commands, services, and IC agencies (including NRO)

• Navigate the full acquisition lifecycle: SBIRs, FARs/DFARs, DOTAs, middle-tier mechanisms (AFWERX, SpaceWERX), and programs of record

• Shape requirements documents and government RFPs in collaboration with engineering and technical leadership

• Drive or directly support proposal development for government submissions from drafting through final review, exercising strong judgment on what content strengthens the win and what should be cut

• Build and manage a pipeline of government opportunities; track and report on engagement breadth, end-user meetings, and contract milestones

• Partner with legal on export control, compliance, agreements, and transactional requirements

• Represent Overview Energy at relevant government, defense, and space industry forums

• Contribute to the build-out of an external advisory network (e.g., senior military advisors) to complement internal capture efforts

What we’re looking for from you:

• Active Top Secret (TS) clearance

• B.S. in a technical field with 10-20+ years of government capture experience in the defense or national security space sector, including demonstrated wins beyond SBIR-only programs

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with DoD and IC acquisition processes from proposal submission through contract award (including drafting, reviewing, and shaping submissions) spanning FAR/DFARS, OTAs, AFWERX, SpaceWERX, IDIQ, and the SBIR-to-program-of-record pathway.

• Established network across multiple DoD commands, services, and/or IC agencies. You are known by the right people, not just knowing of them

• Engineering or technical background sufficient to engage credibly on requirements and system capabilities

• Extroverted, relationship-driven operator with a proven rolodex and the hustle to build it further

We have a strong preference for:

• Prior experience with or exposure to NRO, Space Systems Command, or classified ground/space-based sensing programs

• Background that spans both government (inside track) and private sector defense/space business development

• Experience at a defense prime, satellite startup, or dual-use space company

• DC/Pentagon area-based or willing to be

Note: Candidates who display extraordinary ability and exceed the asks of this job description can be considered for a VP level position.

The base salary range for this role is $180,000–$250,000, with placement depending on experience and demonstrated capture depth, plus a variable component and stock options.

Our Benefits

We take care of our people. In addition to competitive salary and equity, Overview Energy offers comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage, a health and wellness stipend, 4 weeks paid time off, 2 weeks sick leave, parental leave, and 401(k) matching. Benefits are subject to change at the Company's discretion.

ITAR Requirements

This position is subject to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Overview Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [email protected].

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often only apply for roles where they meet every listed qualification. If you believe you can succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply - even if you don't check every box.