Lead, Government Affairs

We’re on a mission to make the skies safe and accessible for everyone. Our technology gives pilots greater control by simplifying the management of any aircraft during standard flight operations, inclement weather, and emergencies. Our SkyOS solution, rigorously and relentlessly developed by skilled and dedicated Skyrysers, is the key to unlocking this unbounded future. Our technology, combined with our commitment to saving lives and our passion for aviation, will empower everyone to experience the joy and freedom of flight.

LEAD, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS — WASHINGTON, D.C.

We are seeking a strategic and well-connected Lead, Government Affairs to serve as the company's daily representative in Washington, D.C. Operating from the Hill, the Pentagon, and across federal agencies, this role drives direct advocacy, relationship-building, and policy engagement with Members of Congress, committee and personal office staff, DoD leadership, and decision-makers across FAA, DOT, Commerce, and State. The ideal candidate is already embedded in this ecosystem, brings established relationships across the defense and aerospace policy community, and can translate fast-moving legislative, budgetary, and regulatory developments into clear strategy for leadership. This role partners closely with executives, business development, legal, and program teams to align advocacy with company priorities and ensure compliance with LDA, ethics, and political activity requirements.

This is a full-time onsite opportunity based in Washington, D.C., with daily in-person engagement on Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon, and at other federal agencies and customer sites. Periodic travel to company headquarters in El Segundo, CA and other locations is expected.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain a daily physical presence on Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon, and across executive branch agencies.
• Run consistent, structured outreach to congressional offices, committee staff, agency contacts, and policy organizations to expand Skyryse's footprint and keep the company top of mind.
• Execute the company's federal government affairs strategy, including legislative, appropriations, regulatory, and agency engagement priorities.
• Distribute approved informational materials and manage follow-up.
• Build and grow trusted relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff (personal offices and committees of jurisdiction including HASC, SASC, HAC-D, SAC-D, THUD, House T&I Aviation, Senate Commerce, and authorizing/appropriations subcommittees), DoD leadership, Service staff, OSD, Joint Staff, and relevant agency officials (FAA, Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce, State Department).
• Monitor, analyze, and report on legislative, regulatory, budgetary (PPBE), and policy developments affecting the aerospace and defense sectors; translate them into actionable recommendations for executive leadership.
• Draft first cuts of talking points, leave-behinds, congressional correspondence, briefing memos, and other materials for executive and government engagements.
• Schedule and prepare engagements in D.C. for senior Skyryse leaders, including preparing principals for Hill meetings, Pentagon engagements, hearings, agency briefings, site visits, and industry forums.
• Partner with business development and capture teams to align government affairs activity with pursuit strategies, customer relationships, and program priorities; provide market intelligence drawn from Hill and Pentagon engagement.
• Work closely with legal, compliance, and contracts teams to ensure advocacy and engagement activities adhere to lobbying disclosure laws (LDA), House and Senate ethics rules, DoD gift and travel restrictions, and political activity requirements.
• Participate in industry associations and coalitions (e.g., AIA, NDIA, CSF, GAMA, or similar) and participate in working groups that shape policy outcomes.
• Interface with outside lobbying firms, policy consultants, and legal counsel as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Government, Law, International Affairs, Business, or a related field. Equivalent work experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in federal government affairs, legislative affairs, executive branch policy, or a closely related field, with demonstrated experience in aerospace, defense, or aviation.
• Demonstrated comfort operating in D.C. — taking meetings, working the halls, and engaging directly with congressional staff and/or agency contacts.
• Familiarity with export control regimes (ITAR, EAR), and the DoD and aerospace regulatory environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft policy materials and brief senior executives and government principals.
• Ability to maintain a daily on-site presence in D.C. and travel as needed to company sites and customer locations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree (JD, MPP, MPA, MA, or MBA) in a relevant discipline.
• Prior experience working on Capitol Hill (personal or committee staff), at OSD, on the Joint Staff, in a Service Secretariat, or in a senior role at a defense trade association.
• Military service or prior DoD civilian experience.
• Established working relationships with relevant congressional offices, defense committees, DoD leadership, and/or executive branch agencies.
• Experience managing federal lobbying disclosure (LDA) and related compliance obligations.
• Experience supporting or managing a corporate PAC.

WHY SKYRYSE?

• The opportunity to change the world through improving aviation safety and accessibility 
• Salary: $130,000 - $170,000
• Valuable stock option plan
• Heavily subsidized medical, dental and vision plans
• Full-time employees are eligible for 20 days of paid time off (PTO) and 5 sick days annually.  PTO and sick days must be used in accordance with Company policy.
• A company with an ambitious vision, a dynamic work environment, and a team of smart, motivated, and fun to work-with colleagues!

WE WELCOME ALL
Skyryse is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.