VP of Government Affairs

Job description

Who we are Picogrid is a leading venture-backed defense technology company founded to bridge the decades-long gap between modern technology and the critical demands of national security. Today, we're building the essential infrastructure to unify sensors, autonomy, and operators with our technology deployed in active operations around the world. Our mission is to deliver an operational advantage to secure the United States and its allies. ABOUT THE ROLE As Picogrid's first VP of Government Affairs, you will own the company's entire relationship with Washington: from Capitol Hill to the Pentagon. You will build and execute a government affairs strategy that accelerates Picogrid's access to defense programs, shapes policy in the unmanned systems and C2 space, and ensures policymakers understand what is at stake as autonomous systems become central to modern warfare. You will build the in-house function from zero to one, establish Picogrid's presence in DC, and serve as the primary voice of the company to the U.S. government. You will work directly with company leadership to translate our operational track record and technology into policy wins, procurement opportunities, and strategic relationships. The right person for this role is equally comfortable in a congressional hearing room and a field briefing. You understand defense acquisition as well as you understand appropriations. You can distill how a hardware-software stack enabling unmanned system orchestration changes the character of warfare, and explain why that matters to a staffer with five minutes to spare. RESPONSIBILITIES Own and execute Picogrid's full government affairs strategy at the federal level: build and maintain deep relationships with key decision-makers across Congress, OSD, the military services, combatant commands, and relevant interagency stakeholders, including defense appropriations and armed services committees. - Drive Picogrid's positioning in relevant defense budget cycles: identifying funding lines, influencing program office priorities, and supporting business development with strategic intelligence from the Hill and Pentagon. - Develop and communicate clear, compelling policy positions on issues critical to Picogrid's mission, including export controls, open architecture standards, and technology competition with peer adversaries. - Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive team on political developments, policy risks, and government relationship management, and represent Picogrid externally at key industry events, hearings, conferences, and stakeholder engagements. - Hire and manage an internal team, external advisors, lobbyists, and consultants as the function grows. - Build coalitions with aligned defense tech companies, trade associations, and national security organizations to advance shared policy goals. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - 8+ years of experience in government affairs, defense policy, congressional affairs, or related roles, with a demonstrable track record of influencing policy and procurement outcomes. - Experience building out a Government Affairs function and team at a high growth technology company - Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical capabilities into accessible, compelling policy narratives. - Comfort operating as a founder-minded, high-ownership individual contributor - Strong written and verbal communication skills; executive presence and credibility with senior government officials. - Willingness to travel regularly between El Segundo and Washington, DC, and to attend field and customer engagements as needed. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Direct experience in or with DoD, a military service, or the Office of the Secretary of Defense, particularly in acquisition, requirements, or technology policy. - Familiarity with the unmanned systems, autonomous systems, or C2/ISR policy landscape, including relevant programs and offices (e.g., CDAO, OUSD R&E, DIU, PEO UAS). - Experience supporting government affairs at a defense technology company or non-traditional defense contractor. - Knowledge of export control frameworks (ITAR/EAR) and how they affect defense technology companies. - U.S. security clearance (active or ability to obtain TS/SCI). - Experience managing external lobbyists, consultants, or a small internal team. - Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (JD, MA, MPP) preferred but not required. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS - Base salary range: $250,000 – $310,000 per year. Base salary is just one part of your total compensation package at Picogrid. - Significant stock options with high potential upside as an early-stage company - 401(k) with employer matching - Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance) - Relocation assistance provided (if applicable) - Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year - Paid parental leave for both parents Export Control Requirements To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Picogrid is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.