--- title: 'Government Relations Summer Intern at Stratolaunch' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/government-relations-summer-intern-stratolaunch-washington-8r3tq69n8hkm' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-25' --- # Government Relations Summer Intern at Stratolaunch - **Company:** Stratolaunch - **Location:** Washington, DC - **Posted:** 2026-10-20 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-25 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/stratolaunch/jobs/5457984008 ## Job description Stratolaunch accelerates the development of next-generation aerospace and defense technologies through reusable hypersonic flight testing. Our autonomous, air-launched Talon-A vehicles provide access to operationally realistic flight environments at speeds exceeding Mach 5, delivering critical data that helps customers validate system performance and advance technologies toward deployment. Our team brings together expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations to solve complex challenges and advance capabilities essential to national security. Government Relations Summer Intern Stratolaunch LLC | Washington, DC | Summer 2027 | Full-time Stratolaunch is seeking a Summer Intern to support the company's Government Relations efforts in Washington, DC. About the role: The intern will work directly with Stratolaunch's Senior Director of Government Relations on congressional engagement, executive branch outreach, and policy and budget research supporting the company's hypersonic flight test mission.  This is a substantive role, with work products drafted for senior internal leadership and external stakeholders. Responsibilities: - Track and summarize congressional legislation, hearings, and markup activity related to hypersonic testing, missile defense, and INDOPACOM and Pentagon priorities - Conduct research on Members of Congress, congressional staff, executive branch officials and their activities potentially affecting Stratolaunch and the hypersonic sector - Draft briefing memos, one-pagers, and meeting prep materials - Support meetings with congressional staff, Department of War officials, and allied government representatives - Help maintain government relations tracking systems (action items, contact databases, distribution lists) - Monitor open-source intelligence on hypersonic technology, the defense industrial base, and competitor activity Qualifications: - Rising junior, senior, or graduate student in political science, public policy, government, international affairs, defense studies, engineering policy, or a related field - Strong written and oral communication; ability to summarize complex material concisely and accurately - Familiarity with the congressional process and U.S. defense policy preferred - Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) - U.S. citizenship; ability to obtain a security clearance a plus but not required for this position - #LI-AM1 Year 1-2: $28.00/hr Year 3-4: $31.25/hr *Year = number of years completed (ex: year 3 means they have completed their junior year and are going into their senior year) Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews. [Benefits](https://www.stratolaunch.com/careers/benefits/) and our https://www.stratolaunch.com/careers/locations/: - Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs) - Paid Maternity and Parental Leave - 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500 - Tuition reimbursement This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties. Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles.  The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks. Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers. Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States. Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.  For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions. Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law : [https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf](https://usg02.safelinks.protection.office365.us/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dol.gov%2Fofccp%2Fregs%2Fcompliance%2Fposters%2Fpdf%2Feeopost.pdf&data=05%7C02%7CJustin.Bunkis%40stratolaunch.com%7Cc995cc1cb2d54cb9e84f08dd8369f5d0%7C6b1ba37e5a954845af92bbebaa34f2bf%7C0%7C0%7C638811213293596097%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HA1xZ73OqtOavsYHMEB53oSEKk%2FQdrb0FNLHeuEPqjg%3D&reserved=0) ## About Stratolaunch ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Stratolaunch designs, manufactures, and launches aerospace vehicles and technologies to provide the U.S. and its allies with routine, affordable access to hypersonic flight testing and space. - **Entity Type**: Private (total funding $24.7M; recent grant and private equity rounds) - **Headquarters**: Mojave, California, United States - **Founded**: 2011 - **Founders**: Not listed in available sources ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Defense and Space Manufacturing – hypersonic test technology and air-launch services. - **Target customers**: U.S. government agencies (Missile Defense Agency, Department of Defense), defense contractors, and commercial aerospace companies. - **Mission**: To advance a national imperative by enabling routine access to the hypersonic environment, accelerating technology development, and validating system performance through flight data. ## Products & Services - **Roc (Air-Launch Platform)**: The world’s largest aircraft by wingspan, used as a mobile launch pad to deploy hypersonic test vehicles from high altitude. - **Talon-A**: A reusable, air-launched hypersonic test vehicle capable of sustained Mach 5+ flight; provides critical flight data for technology maturation. - **Hypersonic Flight Testing Services**: End-to-end mission planning, payload integration, flight operations, and data analysis for government and commercial customers. ## Market Standing - **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed - **Key Metrics**: - Annual revenue: ~$28.7M (source: LinkedIn) - Total funding: $24.7M (led by Missile Defense Agency grant, January 2025; plus a private equity round in January 2026) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Missile Defense Agency (MDA), U.S. Department of Defense; acquired WINDWRIGHT, LLC. - **Growth Signals**: - Headcount grew 15.3% YoY to 253 employees. - Active job postings increased 176.2% YoY. - Received a $90.8M contract award under MACH-TB 2.0 Task 3 for air-launched capability test vehicles. - Conducted a hypersonic test flight with the Missile Defense Agency. ## Competitive Advantages - **Unique Air-Launch Capability**: Operates Roc, the only aircraft of its size, enabling flexible, over-the-horizon launch of hypersonic vehicles without ground range constraints. - **Vertical Integration**: In-house design, manufacturing, and flight test capabilities reduce timelines and allow rapid iteration. - **Government Trust**: Multiple contract awards from MDA and DoD demonstrate confidence in Stratolaunch’s technology and execution. ## Strategic Focus - Scaling hypersonic testing capacity to meet growing national security demand. - Maturing Talon-A into a reusable, operational vehicle for repeatable, cost-effective hypersonic flights. - Expanding customer base beyond the MDA to include other defense agencies and commercial hypersonic developers. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Values include “Safety Always,” “Be courageous & bold,” “Strength in humility,” and “Be the teammate you’d want to have.” Emphasis on hands-on, cross‑disciplinary learning alongside top aerospace engineers. - **Work Environment**: Majority on‑site (57 of 64 current positions are on‑site); limited hybrid/remote options. HQ in Mojave, CA, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Huntsville, AL. - **Notable Perks**: Direct involvement in cutting‑edge hypersonic technology with national importance; exposure to multiple engineering disciplines; safety‑first, ego‑free culture. - **Compensation Example**: Propulsion Technician ~$65,890/yr; Executive Assistant ~$88,580/yr (LinkedIn estimates). - **Employer Rating**: 3.7/5 (55 reviews) – Compensation rated 4.0/5, Culture 3.5/5, Work‑Life 2.8/5. ## Sources 1. [stratolaunch.com](https://www.stratolaunch.com/) 2. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratolaunch) 3. [job-boards.greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/stratolaunch) 4. [stratolaunch.com/careers/culture](https://www.stratolaunch.com/careers/culture/) ## Other roles at Stratolaunch - [Supply Chain Intern- Summer 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/supply-chain-intern-summer-2027-stratolaunch-mojave-d5yfv0p0xc4k) — Mojave, CA - [Facilities Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/facilities-technician-stratolaunch-mojave-0smjyj8eeej6) — Mojave, CA - [Avionics Data Engineer - Payloads](https://feeny.ai/job/avionics-data-engineer-payloads-stratolaunch-mojave-n72gjnd97vkd) — Mojave, CA - [Environmental Test Engineering Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/environmental-test-engineering-technician-stratolaunch-mojave-ednnky15rad3) — Mojave, CA - [Environmental Test Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/environmental-test-engineer-stratolaunch-mojave-c3rrrzbcb26j) — Mojave, CA - [Avionics Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/avionics-manager-stratolaunch-mojave-4p64jb09483b) — Mojave, CA - [Security Administrative Assistant](https://feeny.ai/job/security-administrative-assistant-stratolaunch-mojave-9rsbsg21j8xa) — Mojave, CA - [Engineering Intern Summer 2027](https://feeny.ai/job/engineering-intern-summer-2027-stratolaunch-mojave-bs9c9drq5718) — Mojave, CA - [Structural Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/structural-analyst-stratolaunch-mojave-j5edb826aw4w) — Mojave, CA - [Engineering Section Manager - Avionics](https://feeny.ai/job/engineering-section-manager-avionics-stratolaunch-mojave-zpmzecyr75n5) — Mojave, CA