Blue Water Autonomy
Head of Government Relations (Congressional Affairs)
Blue Water Autonomy, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Head of Government Relations (Congressional Affairs)
We are an early-stage, maritime defense technology startup backed by top tier investors. Our team is designing and building autonomous and highly producible ships that can serve multiple missions on the open ocean.
The Role
We’re seeking a
Head of Government Relations (Congressional Affairs)
to lead our engagement with Congress and key federal stakeholders. This is a critical leadership role at the intersection of defense policy, appropriations, and Navy acquisition.
You’ll be the company’s primary face on the Hill—driving our strategy with authorizers and appropriators, shaping legislative and report language, and building durable support for unmanned surface vessels and the industrial base that underpins them. You’ll work directly with the CSO and business development leads to connect concrete program and funding outcomes to our growth.
This role is
based in Washington, DC
, with regular time on the Hill and at Pentagon/Navy offices. You’ll build the government relations function from the ground up—owning strategy, execution, and the playbook for how we show up in Washington. U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data .
What You'll Do
Define and lead our
congressional strategy
across NDAA, defense appropriations, and oversight.
Build and maintain deep, trust-based relationships with:
Members and staff on HASC, SASC, HAC-D, SAC-D, and related subcommittees
Congressional leadership offices, caucuses, and task forces relevant to Navy, unmanned systems, and the industrial base
Identify, draft, and advocate for
legislative and report language
that supports unmanned maritime systems, rapid acquisition, and industrial base investment.
Drive annual
appropriations and authorization campaigns
to support program starts, plus-ups, and multi-year funding profiles tied to specific Navy and DoD priorities.
Represent the company in meetings with Members, professional staff, committee staff, and relevant executive branch officials (Navy, OSD, Joint Staff, etc.).
Develop clear, compelling
advocacy materials
: one-pagers, decks, language proposals, talking points, Q&A, and hearing prep.
Monitor, analyze, and brief internal stakeholders on congressional developments that affect our programs, budgets, and competitive landscape.
Plan and execute
visits, demos, and facility tours
for Members and staff, showcasing our technology and its operational impact.
Coordinate closely with business development, engineering, and operations to align congressional strategy with program milestones and customer needs.
Manage and integrate any external consultants, industry coalitions, or trade associations supporting our priorities.
Build lightweight but effective systems to
track engagements, follow-ups, and outcomes
across fiscal years.
Serve as an internal advisor on timing, process, and risk—helping leadership make smart bets aligned with Hill and budget dynamics.
Who You Are
Bring
10+ years
of experience in national security and federal government relations, with significant time on or deeply engaged with
Capitol Hill
.
Have held senior roles such as committee/subcommittee staff, LD, senior LA, legislative director for a Member with defense portfolio, or equivalent senior GR role in defense/national security.
Possess a
proven track record
driving outcomes through the NDAA, defense appropriations, and/or homeland security appropriations processes.
Understand in depth how
PPBE, NDAA, and appropriations
interact with specific programs, PEs, and budget lines.
Are fluent in defense policy and budget issues, ideally with exposure to
Navy, unmanned systems, shipbuilding/industrial base, or Indo-Pacific
priorities.
Have a strong, bipartisan network on the Hill and credibility with professional staff and senior aides.
Communicate clearly and succinctly—able to translate complex technical concepts into tight, persuasive narratives for Members and staff.
Are comfortable operating as a
one-person department
initially: setting strategy, booking meetings, writing materials, and doing the blocking-and-tackling yourself.
Thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguity-heavy environment, and can make pragmatic tradeoffs while keeping long-term strategic objectives in view.
Are willing and able to register as a lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
Are based in (or willing to relocate to) the Washington, DC area and spend significant time in-person with stakeholders.
Nice To Haves
Direct experience as professional staff on HASC, SASC, HAC-D, SAC-D, or related subcommittees.
Background with Navy programs, unmanned systems, shipbuilding/repair, or maritime autonomy.
Experience in a
defense tech startup
or other non-traditional defense contractor.
Existing security clearance or clear path to obtain one.
Prior military, intelligence community, or senior executive branch service.
Experience organizing CODELs/STAFFDELs, field visits, and technology demonstrations.
Experience supporting a company Political Action Committee (PAC) and related engagement.
What We Offer
Incredibly high-caliber teammates. You’ll work directly with our co-founders Rylan, Scott, and Austin.
A fast-paced, creative working environment that offers a lot of room for ownership and growth.
O pportunity to join a meaningful mission that protects American and our Democracy.
Expected Salary Range: $190,000-$249,000 annual base salary. Final compensation will depend on experience and skill level
S tartup equity options
G enerous PTO, medical, dental, and vision coverage
We are an equal opportunity employer. All hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or transfer visas for applicants.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Role
We’re seeking a
Head of Government Relations (Congressional Affairs)
to lead our engagement with Congress and key federal stakeholders. This is a critical leadership role at the intersection of defense policy, appropriations, and Navy acquisition.
You’ll be the company’s primary face on the Hill—driving our strategy with authorizers and appropriators, shaping legislative and report language, and building durable support for unmanned surface vessels and the industrial base that underpins them. You’ll work directly with the CSO and business development leads to connect concrete program and funding outcomes to our growth.
This role is
based in Washington, DC
, with regular time on the Hill and at Pentagon/Navy offices. You’ll build the government relations function from the ground up—owning strategy, execution, and the playbook for how we show up in Washington. U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data .
What You'll Do
Define and lead our
congressional strategy
across NDAA, defense appropriations, and oversight.
Build and maintain deep, trust-based relationships with:
Members and staff on HASC, SASC, HAC-D, SAC-D, and related subcommittees
Congressional leadership offices, caucuses, and task forces relevant to Navy, unmanned systems, and the industrial base
Identify, draft, and advocate for
legislative and report language
that supports unmanned maritime systems, rapid acquisition, and industrial base investment.
Drive annual
appropriations and authorization campaigns
to support program starts, plus-ups, and multi-year funding profiles tied to specific Navy and DoD priorities.
Represent the company in meetings with Members, professional staff, committee staff, and relevant executive branch officials (Navy, OSD, Joint Staff, etc.).
Develop clear, compelling
advocacy materials
: one-pagers, decks, language proposals, talking points, Q&A, and hearing prep.
Monitor, analyze, and brief internal stakeholders on congressional developments that affect our programs, budgets, and competitive landscape.
Plan and execute
visits, demos, and facility tours
for Members and staff, showcasing our technology and its operational impact.
Coordinate closely with business development, engineering, and operations to align congressional strategy with program milestones and customer needs.
Manage and integrate any external consultants, industry coalitions, or trade associations supporting our priorities.
Build lightweight but effective systems to
track engagements, follow-ups, and outcomes
across fiscal years.
Serve as an internal advisor on timing, process, and risk—helping leadership make smart bets aligned with Hill and budget dynamics.
Who You Are
Bring
10+ years
of experience in national security and federal government relations, with significant time on or deeply engaged with
Capitol Hill
.
Have held senior roles such as committee/subcommittee staff, LD, senior LA, legislative director for a Member with defense portfolio, or equivalent senior GR role in defense/national security.
Possess a
proven track record
driving outcomes through the NDAA, defense appropriations, and/or homeland security appropriations processes.
Understand in depth how
PPBE, NDAA, and appropriations
interact with specific programs, PEs, and budget lines.
Are fluent in defense policy and budget issues, ideally with exposure to
Navy, unmanned systems, shipbuilding/industrial base, or Indo-Pacific
priorities.
Have a strong, bipartisan network on the Hill and credibility with professional staff and senior aides.
Communicate clearly and succinctly—able to translate complex technical concepts into tight, persuasive narratives for Members and staff.
Are comfortable operating as a
one-person department
initially: setting strategy, booking meetings, writing materials, and doing the blocking-and-tackling yourself.
Thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguity-heavy environment, and can make pragmatic tradeoffs while keeping long-term strategic objectives in view.
Are willing and able to register as a lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
Are based in (or willing to relocate to) the Washington, DC area and spend significant time in-person with stakeholders.
Nice To Haves
Direct experience as professional staff on HASC, SASC, HAC-D, SAC-D, or related subcommittees.
Background with Navy programs, unmanned systems, shipbuilding/repair, or maritime autonomy.
Experience in a
defense tech startup
or other non-traditional defense contractor.
Existing security clearance or clear path to obtain one.
Prior military, intelligence community, or senior executive branch service.
Experience organizing CODELs/STAFFDELs, field visits, and technology demonstrations.
Experience supporting a company Political Action Committee (PAC) and related engagement.
What We Offer
Incredibly high-caliber teammates. You’ll work directly with our co-founders Rylan, Scott, and Austin.
A fast-paced, creative working environment that offers a lot of room for ownership and growth.
O pportunity to join a meaningful mission that protects American and our Democracy.
Expected Salary Range: $190,000-$249,000 annual base salary. Final compensation will depend on experience and skill level
S tartup equity options
G enerous PTO, medical, dental, and vision coverage
We are an equal opportunity employer. All hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or transfer visas for applicants.
#J-18808-Ljbffr