Director, Defense Contracts

Cyclic Materials Inc.•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cyclic Materials™ is building a resilient circular supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical materials. Through our proprietary MagCycle℠ and REEPure℠ processes, we recover rare earths from end-of-life products and transform them into high purity materials used in the production of permanent magnets. These materials are critical to the modern economy, including the production of electric vehicles, electronics, AI infrastructure, wind turbines, defense, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Founded in 2021, Cyclic Materials has rapidly progressed from technology development to commercialization. We currently operate facilities in Ontario and Arizona, with a new expansion underway in South Carolina. Backed by US$75 million in Series C financing led by T. Rowe Price, alongside strategic investors including Microsoft, Amazon, Hitachi Ventures, BMW i Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s InMotion fund, Energy Impact Partners, ArcTern Ventures, and Fifth Wall, we are scaling to meet growing global demand for a secure and sustainable rare earth supply. We have established commercial partnerships with global industry leaders such as Solvay, Vattenfall, Lime, and VACUUMSCHMELZE, enabling the deployment of recycled rare earth materials into real world supply chains. In 2025, Cyclic Materials was named one of the Top 10 Climate Tech Companies to Watch by MIT Technology Review. We are growing quickly and building the industrial backbone required for a circular rare earth economy. Joining Cyclic Materials means working on complex and exciting challenges at scale, alongside a team committed to executing and delivering measurable impact. If you are motivated by building critical infrastructure and advancing the circular economy, join us and help accelerate the growth of rare earth recycling. Position Overview As demand for resilient domestic supply chains continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced Director Defense Contracts to lead our engagement with the U.S. Department of Defense, federal agencies, and the defense industrial base. Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer (or Chief Executive Officer), this highly strategic role will be responsible for developing and executing Cyclic Materials' government and defense market strategy. The successful candidate will identify and secure government-funded opportunities, establish strategic partnerships with defense contractors and federal agencies, and position Cyclic Materials as a trusted supplier supporting U.S. critical mineral security. This role is ideally suited for a former military officer or senior government professional with an established network across the Department of Defense, defense agencies, and the U.S. defense industrial ecosystem. The preferred location for this position is the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Candidates located elsewhere in the U.S. with convenient access to Washington, D.C. and the ability to travel regularly to support government and defense engagements are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Master’s degree in business, Engineering, Political Science, Public Policy, Military Science, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in government business development, defense contracting, federal sales, military acquisition, or strategic partnerships.
Demonstrated success securing government contracts, grants, or strategic partnerships.
Strong understanding of national security, industrial policy, and critical minerals supply chains.
Excellent executive communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
Demonstrated ability to influence senior government officials and executive stakeholders.
Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen and business development expertise.
U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

MBA, or military staff college education is considered an asset.
Prior U.S. military service is strongly preferred.
Existing network across the U.S. Department of Defense, defense agencies, Capitol Hill, or the defense industrial base is highly desirable.
Experience working with defense prime contractors or aerospace and defense manufacturers is preferred.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute Cyclic Materials' U.S. defense and government engagement strategy.
Position the company as a strategic partner supporting resilient domestic supply chains for rare earth elements and permanent magnets.
Identify long-term opportunities aligned with U.S. national security priorities, industrial policy, and critical minerals initiatives.
Serve as the company's primary representative within the defense and government community.
Identify, pursue, and secure government contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and strategic funding opportunities.
Build relationships with key stakeholders across: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Office of the Secretary of Defense, Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Commerce, Department of Homeland Security, National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), DARPA, ARPA-E, National Laboratories, Other federal and state agencies supporting critical minerals and manufacturing.
Develop capture strategies for government solicitations and competitive procurement opportunities.
Establish strategic relationships with defense prime contractors, Tier 1 suppliers, aerospace manufacturers, and advanced technology companies.
Identify opportunities to integrate recycled rare earth materials into defense supply chains.
Develop commercial partnerships supporting secure domestic sourcing of critical materials.
Negotiate teaming agreements, strategic alliances, memoranda of understanding, and long-term commercial partnerships.
Lead the pursuit of federal contracts from opportunity identification through proposal submission and award.
Coordinate cross-functional proposal teams including Commercial, Engineering, Legal, Finance, and Operations.
Support pricing strategy, contract negotiations, and compliance requirements.
Ensure successful execution of awarded government contracts in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
Build trusted relationships with government officials, military leadership, congressional staff, and industry associations.
Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy developments affecting critical minerals, defense manufacturing, and supply chain security.
Represent Cyclic Materials at government meetings, defense conferences, congressional briefings, and industry forums.
Advocate for the role of recycled rare earth materials in strengthening domestic manufacturing and national resilience.
Collaborate with Executive Leadership on long-term government engagement strategy.
Support corporate growth initiatives involving strategic partnerships, investments, and expansion into government markets.
Work closely with Engineering, Operations, Commercial, Finance, Legal, and Product teams to ensure government opportunities are effectively evaluated and executed.
Support development of products and capabilities aligned with defense customer requirements.
Help establish internal processes for government contracting, compliance, and reporting.
Represent Cyclic Materials at major defense industry events.
Build Cyclic Materials' visibility and credibility within the defense ecosystem.