Director of Regulatory

Who We Are:

Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space.
 
Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach.
 
Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds.
 
Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based defense and logistics.

Position Overview:  

As the Director of Regulatory Affairs, you will own the full spectrum of licensing, compliance, and government engagement required to design, test, and operate reentry vehicles. You will be a core member of the leadership team, working directly with engineering, mission ops, legal, and the C-suite to ensure our programs are structured for regulatory success.  

This is a high-visibility, high-autonomy role. You will build the regulatory function, hire your team, and set the strategic approach to FAA/AST licensing, NOAA remote sensing, FCC spectrum coordination, ITAR/EAR compliance, and export licensing. You will also serve as our primary relationship manager with regulatory agencies and Capitol Hill staff.  

Key Responsibilities:  

Licensing & Certification  

• Lead all FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) launch and reentry license applications, modifications, and renewals  
• Own payload review coordination and launch site operator agreements  
• Manage NOAA Office of Space Commerce licensing for any remote sensing or Earth observation payloads  
• Coordinate FCC spectrum filings for telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) systems  
• Interface with range safety offices on safety approvals and launch corridor authorizations  
• Oversight of internal Flight Safety Analysis 

Export Control & Trade Compliance  

• Own the company's ITAR/EAR compliance program, including commodity jurisdiction determinations, license applications (DDTC/BIS), and TAA/MLA reviews  
• Advise engineering and business development teams on export control implications of technology transfers, international partnerships, and foreign national access  
• Maintain and update Technology Control Plans (TCPs) and ensure compliance with facility security requirements  

Government & Policy Engagement  

• Serve as the company's primary point of contact with FAA-AST, NOAA, FCC, State Department, and relevant DoW stakeholders  
• Monitor and respond to proposed rulemakings, policy changes, and Congressional activity affecting commercial reentry  
• Represent the company at industry forums (COMSTAC, Commercial Space Federation, AIAA) and in meetings with Congressional staff and agency leadership  
• Contribute to industry-wide advocacy efforts on streamlining the Part 450 reentry vehicle licensing framework  

Cross-Functional Leadership  

• Embed with engineering and mission operations to ensure regulatory requirements are translated into design constraints and test planning early in the development cycle  
• Partner with Legal on liability indemnification analysis, third-party risk, and government contracting (FAR/DFARS) compliance  
• Build and lead a small but growing regulatory team; set internal processes, templates, and a compliance culture that scales with the company  
• Advise leadership on regulatory risk, licensing timelines, and go/no-go criteria for key program milestones  

Required Qualifications:  

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance; must meet ITAR requirements.
• 8+ years of experience in commercial space regulatory affairs, aerospace licensing, or a closely related government/industry role  
• Deep, hands-on knowledge of FAA Part 450 (or legacy Part 417/431/435) launch and reentry licensing processes  
• Demonstrated experience obtaining or managing reentry vehicle licenses, payload reviews, or experimental permit applications  
• Strong working knowledge of ITAR/EAR export control regulations; experience managing a compliance program  
• Track record of direct engagement with FAA-AST, NOAA, FCC, or other relevant federal agencies at a staff and leadership level  
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills — you can translate complex regulatory requirements into plain language for engineers and executives alike  

Desired Qualifications:  

• Prior experience at a commercial launch or reentry vehicle company  
• Background in systems engineering, mission assurance, range safety, or another technical aerospace discipline  
• Active DoD or IC security clearance  
• Existing relationships at FAA-AST, NOAA OCC, USSPACECOM, or on relevant Congressional staff  
• Experience with NASA payload manifesting, CRADA agreements, or Space Act Agreements  
• Graduate degree in aerospace engineering, public policy, or a related field  

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.

_{The California annual base salary for this role is currently $190,000 - $260,000.  Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.}