Defense Innovation Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our client is a FAST growth-stage company transforming the circular supply chain for rare earth elements—materials that are increasingly recognized as critical to U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. As demand for resilient domestic supply chains continues to grow, the company is seeking an experienced Director, Defense Contracts to lead its engagement with the U.S. Department of Defense, federal agencies, and the defense industrial base.

Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, this highly strategic role will be responsible for developing and executing the company's 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 the company as a trusted supplier supporting U.S. critical mineral security.

This role is ideally suited for a veteran or retired 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.

Key Responsibilities

Defense & Government Strategy

• Develop and execute the company's U.S. defense and government engagement strategy.
• Position the company as a strategic partner supporting resilient domestic supply chains for rare earth elements.
• 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.

Government Business Development

• 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.

Defense Industrial Base Partnerships

• 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.

Contract Management & Capture

• 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.

Government Relations & Stakeholder Engagement

• 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 the company 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.

Corporate Strategy Support

• Collaborate with Executive Leadership on long-term government engagement strategy.
• Support corporate growth initiatives involving strategic partnerships, investments, and expansion into government markets.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• 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.

Industry Representation

• Represent the company at major defense industry events.
• Build the company's visibility and credibility within the defense ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Political Science, Public Policy, Military Science, or a related field.
• MBA, or military staff college education is considered an asset.
• 5+ years of experience in government business development, defense contracting, federal sales, military acquisition, or strategic partnerships.
• 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.
• Demonstrated success securing government contracts, grants, or strategic partnerships.
• Experience working with defense prime contractors or aerospace and defense manufacturers is preferred.
• 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.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance is preferred.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

What We Can Offer You

• A unique opportunity to help secure the future of America's critical materials supply chain.
• A highly strategic role with direct visibility to executive leadership.
• The opportunity to shape partnerships that strengthen U.S. national security and industrial resilience.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven culture.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
• Health and wellness benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Our client is committed to building an inclusive team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, beliefs, and experiences.

Applicants for employment in the United States must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship for employment authorization.

Please note that only qualified candidates will be contacted regarding this opportunity.