VP of Government Affairs (Defense Technology)

Location: Washington, D.C., with regular travel between El Segundo and Washington, DC

Salary: $250,000–$310,000 per year, plus equity and bonus opportunities

Company

hirify.global is a venture-backed defense technology company building infrastructure that unifies sensors, autonomy, and operators for national security operations.

What you will do

• Own and execute the federal government affairs strategy across Congress, the Pentagon, military services, combatant commands, and interagency stakeholders.
• Build hirify.global's in-house government affairs function and establish its presence in Washington, D.C.
• Influence defense budget cycles, funding lines, program priorities, procurement opportunities, and policy outcomes.
• Develop policy positions on export controls, open architecture standards, and technology competition.
• Advise the CEO and executive team on political developments, policy risks, and government relationships.
• Hire and manage internal staff, lobbyists, consultants, and external coalitions.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in government affairs, defense policy, congressional affairs, or a related field, with demonstrated policy and procurement influence.
• Experience building a government affairs function and team at a high-growth technology company.
• Direct experience with the Department of Defense, a military service, or the Office of the Secretary of Defense, particularly in acquisition, requirements, or technology policy.
• Ability to explain complex hardware-software and autonomous systems capabilities through clear policy narratives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, executive presence, and credibility with senior government officials.
• Must meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements and hold or be able to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Nice to have

• Experience with unmanned systems, autonomous systems, or C2/ISR policy, including CDAO, OUSD R&E, DIU, or PEO UAS.
• Experience at a defense technology company or non-traditional defense contractor.
• Knowledge of ITAR/EAR export-control frameworks.
• Experience managing lobbyists, consultants, or a small internal team.
• Advanced degree such as JD, MA, or MPP.

Culture & Benefits

• Significant stock options with potential upside as an early-stage company.
• 401(k) with employer matching.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Relocation assistance where applicable.
• Unlimited PTO with a two-week minimum, 11 paid holidays, and paid parental leave for both parents.