Government Relations Manager
About The Position
Seasats builds autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) that deliver persistent maritime intelligence for defense, scientific, and commercial customers. As Government Relations Manager, you'll strengthen Seasats' visibility and advocacy within the U.S. government, connecting our successes in the field to funding, programs, and policy support in D.C. You'll engage across Capitol Hill, the Pentagon, and key Navy and DoD program offices to ensure Seasats' capabilities are understood, aligned with emerging requirements, and represented in relevant budget and policy discussions. This is a role for someone who thrives at the intersection of technology, national security, and policy. You're equally comfortable in a congressional briefing, an OSD meeting, or a defense innovation roundtable. Seasats is scaling rapidly and entering the next phase of growth as a trusted autonomy provider to the Navy, Marine Corps, and allied partners. Your primary goal will be to advance Seasats' long-term position in defense funding and acquisition pathways, ensuring our technology moves from pilot programs to multi-year contracts.
Requirements
- Understand DoD and congressional budget processes, including authorization / appropriations cycles.
- Are comfortable interfacing with senior government, military, and industry stakeholders.
- Have experience in government affairs, legislative affairs, or defense program advocacy.
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to turn technical capability into mission-aligned messaging.
- Value credibility and follow-through over flash.
- Thrive in a fast-paced, high-trust environment where initiative matters.
- Active Secret clearance or eligibility required.
- Candidate must be a U.S. citizen and capable of obtaining and maintaining a clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Prior service in the military or as a Hill staffer or DoD civilian.
- Experience with Section 804 (Middle Tier of Acquisition) or innovation funding pathways (DIU, AFWERX, etc.).
- Existing network within OSD, PEO USC, PMS-406, or relevant congressional committees.
- Background in defense technology, maritime systems, or robotics policy.
Responsibilities
- Building and maintaining relationships across OSD, Navy Secretariat, PEOs, and congressional staff.
- Tracking and influencing defense budget priorities (e.g., NDAA, Appropriations, SBIR Phase III).
- Coordinating briefings, Hill days, and DoD engagements for Seasats leadership.
- Monitoring legislation, regulatory updates, and program funding relevant to maritime autonomy.
- Supporting partnership development with primes, integrators, and research agencies.
- Preparing concise summaries, talking points, and engagement reports for internal stakeholders.
- Travelling from your base in D.C. to San Diego approximately once per month
Benefits
- stock options
- 401k matching
- relocation assistance within the U.S. (if applicable)
- Competitive insurance (including a 99% employer-covered Gold HMO plan or other options)
- 401k matching up to 4% of salary
- Four free lunches per week
- An employee activity fund
- A pet-friendly office
- Unlimited/Flex PTO
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Industry
Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
