Head of Government Affairs

About the role

The Head of Government Affairs will own and execute Picogrid's government affairs strategy at the federal level, build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers, and drive Picogrid's positioning in relevant defense budget cycles.

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: identify funding lines, influence program office priorities, and support 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.
• Experience managing external lobbyists, consultants, or a small internal team.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $200,000 – $250,000 per year.
• 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.

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.