Government Relations Lead
Firestorm
Washington, DC, USA
USD 163k-209k / year + Equity
Posted on Mar 31, 2026
Government Relations Lead
Washington D.C.
Strategy & Market
Remote
Full-time
Who We Are
At Firestorm, we're building toward a future defined by incontestable defense logistics. That means equipping warfighters with mission-critical capabilities at the point of need. Not in months, not from a depot halfway around the world, but now, in the field, on demand.
We're a VC-backed defense technology company pioneering an expeditionary manufacturing ecosystem that produces and sustains modular, mission-adaptable unmanned systems, parts and components for repair and sustainment, and the software to transform point solutions into a network of strategic assets.
We're building a team of engineers, operators, and problem-solvers who believe the future of deterrence cannot rely only on expensive, exquisite platforms made in centralized factories. We build and field affordable systems using distributed production capabilities at the edge. If you want to solve challenging problems that will reshape the future of defense, you're in the right place.
About the Role
As the company scales from early-stage execution into fielded programs, expanded government visibility, and deeper engagement with federal stakeholders, how we engage Washington is a strategic imperative. Firestorm is seeking a Government Relations Lead to own and execute Firestorm's federal engagement, appropriations strategy, and defense acquisition positioning from Washington, D.C. This is a senior, operator-minded role. Not a policy monitoring function; it is a builder role for someone who understands how Congress, the Pentagon and the defense acquisition ecosystem actually work, and who can translate that institutional knowledge into tangible, measurable outcomes for a fast-moving defense technology company.
Reporting to the Director of Strategy with direct visibility to the CEO and executive leadership, this individual will operate independently in D.C. to build the federal relationships, strategic intelligence, and engagement infrastructure that unlocks appropriations pathways, accelerates program-of-record transitions, and establishes Firestorm as a credible, trusted presence across the institutions that shape national security investment.
This role will own Firestorm's external federal political infrastructure, including contract lobbyists and advisors, establish compliance guardrails, and function as a direct force multiplier for the company's federal business. The right person finds defense and autonomy genuinely compelling, is comfortable in rooms with operators, Members of Congress, and senior DoD officials, and is ready to build a world-class government affairs function from scratch.
What You'll Do
- Lead and execute Firestorm's federal appropriations strategy across RDT&E, Procurement, and O&M accounts, developing integrated near-, mid-, and long-term capture strategies aligned to company objectives and the DoD PPBE budget cycle
- Translate corporate strategy into actionable congressional appropriations positioning; continuously monitor defense budget cycles, continuing resolutions, and supplemental funding opportunities and provide executive leadership with timely, decision-ready intelligence
- Serve as Firestorm's internal subject matter expert on DoD acquisition and procurement processes, including FAR/DFARS, Non-FAR, SBIR/STTR, and Other Transaction Authority, advising leadership on positioning, compliance, and transition-to-program-of-record strategies
- Build and maintain trusted senior-level relationships across Congress and OSD, including Program Executive Offices, Program Acquisition Executives, and key defense appropriations and authorization committee staff, ensuring Firestorm is engaged early, consistently, and constructively on the issues that matter
- Represent Firestorm directly in engagements with Members of Congress, senior committee staff, O-6+ military leaders, and SES-level DoD civilians, with the credibility, preparation, and discretion those interactions demand
- Own strategy, oversight, and performance management for all contract lobbyists, government relations firms, and external advisors, establishing clear objectives, accountability structures, and ROI expectations aligned to company priorities
- Build and execute Firestorm's engagement strategy for relevant defense associations, industry coalitions, and public forums, defining where the company shows up, with what message, for what outcome, and who should represent us
- Monitor and analyze legislative, policy, and budget developments impacting defense technology and autonomy systems; translate findings into clear executive recommendations on strategic opportunities and risks
- Own the full executive engagement workflow for high-stakes government interactions: stakeholder mapping, briefing materials, talking points, leave-behind collateral, and post-engagement readouts with concrete follow-on action plans
- Partner closely with business development, legal, and program teams to align government affairs activity with contract opportunities, federal growth priorities, and strategic company objectives
- Build a practical political compliance framework, covering lobbying registrations, political contribution policies, and sales team guardrails, in partnership with the Legal team; ensure all activities meet ethics, lobbying, and applicable security standards
- Advise executive leadership on political, regulatory, and reputational risks associated with government engagement; partner with Legal and Communications to lead Firestorm's government affairs response when issues arise.
- Represent the company at hearings, industry events, and relevant public forums; ensure Firestorm's voice is present and credible in conversations shaping defense technology investment and policy.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, national security studies or a related field
- 8+ years of experience in government affairs, defense policy, legislative affairs or senior military service, with demonstrated ownership of complex, multi-stakeholder federal engagement strategies
- U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
- Deep, hands-on expertise in U.S. defense procurement, acquisition, and appropriations, including the PPBE cycle, FAR/DFARS, SBIR/STTR, Other Transaction Authority, as well as congressional authorization and appropriations pathways.
- Proven track record of senior-level engagement across Congress and the Pentagon (e.g., Members of Congress, committee staff, O-6+ military leaders, SES-level DoD civilians)
- Demonstrated experience managing contract lobbyists and government relations firms with clear performance expectations and accountability to defined outcomes
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical and policy issues into sharp advocacy positions, executive briefs, and stakeholder-ready materials
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills to interpret legislative and regulatory developments, and convert them into actionable, decision-ready recommendations for executive leadership
- High judgment, discretion, and the proven ability to operate independently in sensitive policy and political environments with minimal oversight
- Comfortable building from scratch in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment; takes ownership, defines the system, and improves it over time
- Demonstrated ability to operate as a true partner to revenue-owning and business development teams, functioning as a growth enabler rather than a compliance function
- Background in military service, legislative affairs, or senior defense and government relations leadership.
- Not required to be a registered lobbyist.
- Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments
Preferred Qualifications
- Active SECRET or TS/SCI clearance strongly preferred; eligibility and willingness to pursue required
- Established relationships within House and Senate defense appropriations and authorization committee staff, and across key OSD and service-level program offices
- Prior experience in a House or Senate Member or leadership office with a military or national security portfolio, or as a professional staff member on a defense committee
- DoD Program Office or Financial Management experience; familiarity with how defense programs are funded, structured, and transitioned from R&D to procurement
- Experience building or scaling a government affairs function within a defense technology, defense industrial base, or national security-focused company
- Familiarity with emerging defense technology innovation pathways, including DIU, AFWERX, DEFENSEWERX, and SOFWERX, and policy frameworks governing autonomy and unmanned systems
Work Environment
- This role is based in Washington D.C.
- We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
- Willingness to travel up to 15% domestically, to include occasional travel to our San Diego headquarters, as needed
- Ability to work flexible hours, attend regular in-person engagements across Capitol Hill and the Pentagon, and travel to various customer locations as needed
This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.
Compensation
U.S. Range: $163,000 - $209,000
The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.
Benefits & Perks
Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:
- We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
- Equity grants for new hires
- Unlimited PTO
- Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December.
- Generous Parental Leave
- Lifestyle Spending Account
- FSA
- DCFSA
- HSA
- Hospital Indemnity insurance
- Critical Illness insurance
- Accident insurance
- Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
- Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.
Export Control Compliance
To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 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 otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.
Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.
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Req ID: R167