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Defense Innovation Unit Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Vast

Director, Government Affairs

Washington, DC · On-site

S. Space Force, Air Force, Space Development Agency (SDA), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and other defense-related organizations. * Engage with relevant Congressional committees and staff ...

Riverside Research Institute

Autonomy Program Manager

VA · On-site

$170K - $230K/yr

They combine that expertise and curiosity with an urgency to solve real problems for the warfighter and the humility to embrace any necessary task to support our Defense Innovation Unit (DIU ...

Vast

Director, Government Affairs

Washington, DC · On-site

S. Space Force, Air Force, Space Development Agency (SDA), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and other defense-related organizations. * Engage with relevant Congressional committees and staff ...

Parsons

Intel Analyst

Springfield, VA · On-site

$134K - $241K/yr

... DIA), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) * Must be willing and able to travel, as required, 10-20%. * Understanding of various languages & development environments * Must possess experience with ...

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All JobsDefense Innovation Unit JobsDefense Innovation Unit Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Defense Innovation Unit information

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How much do defense innovation unit jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense innovation unit in Silver Spring, MD is $20.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at the Defense Innovation Unit, and why are they important?

To thrive at the Defense Innovation Unit, you need expertise in technology development, project management, and an understanding of defense and national security, typically supported by a relevant degree and experience in innovation or the defense sector. Familiarity with emerging technologies, acquisition processes, and tools such as project management software and secure communication systems is crucial. Strong collaboration, adaptability, and effective communication skills help drive partnerships between government, industry, and academia. These abilities are essential for accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge solutions that address complex defense challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)?

Professionals at the Defense Innovation Unit often navigate the challenge of bridging the gap between fast-paced commercial technology development and the more structured processes of the Department of Defense. Adapting to the unique demands of both government and private sector stakeholders requires strong communication and project management skills. Additionally, team members regularly collaborate with startups, industry partners, and military end-users, making the ability to translate technical concepts into actionable solutions critical. Balancing innovation with compliance and security standards is another key aspect of the role.

What is the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)?

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is an organization within the U.S. Department of Defense that accelerates the adoption of commercial technology into the military. DIU works with innovative private sector companies to identify, prototype, and field advanced technological solutions that address national security challenges. By bridging the gap between the military and the commercial tech industry, DIU helps ensure the U.S. military maintains a technological edge. Their areas of focus include artificial intelligence, autonomy, cyber, human systems, and space technologies.
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Defense Innovation Unit jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Innovation Unit job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,560 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Director, Government Affairs

Vast

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 hours ago

Job description

Vast is looking for a Director, Government Affairs to lead and expand the company's engagement across Congress,  the U.S. Department of Defense, and associated national security stakeholders. This role will drive policy, partnership, and congressional advocacy strategies to advance Vast's initiatives to launch and operate the world's leading commercial space stations in support of both civil and national security space objectives.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Washington D.C. location.

Responsibilities:

  • Strategic Leadership
    • Develop and execute a comprehensive DoD and national security engagement strategy aligned with Vast's government affairs and policy objectives.
    • Collaborate across internal teams including Legal, Programs, Engineering, and Business Development to align advocacy efforts with mission and programmatic priorities.
  • Congressional & DoD Engagement
    • Build and maintain strong relationships with key offices within the Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force, Air Force, Space Development Agency (SDA), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and other defense-related organizations.
    • Engage with relevant Congressional committees and staff, particularly those overseeing defense, space, and appropriations matters.
    • Coordinate with the National Security Council (NSC), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and others in the Executive Office of the President (EOP) when cross-agency alignment is required.
  • Policy and Advocacy
    • Monitor, analyze, and interpret U.S. defense and national security policy, legislation, and appropriations developments impacting commercial space capabilities.
    • Prepare policy briefs, talking points, and legislative summaries to inform internal leadership and support strategic decision-making.
    • Develop recommendations and written submissions for defense-related requests for information (RFIs), trade reports, and industry-government engagements.
  • Program and Partnership Support
    • Collaborate with Vast's business development team to support DoD-related contracting opportunities, cooperative agreements, and partnerships.
    • Identify emerging defense needs where Vast's commercial capabilities can contribute to resilience, mission assurance, and space domain awareness objectives.
    • Provide policy support for defense-related technology initiatives, security reviews, and regulatory engagement.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 8+ years of professional experience in government affairs, defense policy, congressional affairs, and/or national security space.
  • Experience engaging Congress on defense, national security, or space-related policy and funding priorities.
  • Current registered lobbyist or willingness and ability to register as a lobbyist, as required.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Experience working on DOD space programs and policies
  • Experience with government contracting and government procurement
  • Experience with Congressional appropriations and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) process
  • Proven ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and schedules with ease and grace
  • Ability to simplify complex concepts into straightforward and concise explanations
  • Comfortable operating outside of areas of expertise and in new territory
  • Excellent communication, analytical, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
  • Self-starter with excellent time-management and prioritization skills

Additional Requirements:

  • Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
  • Ability to obtain appropriate security clearance to support DOD space programs.

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