Defense Think Tank Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI‑powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting‑edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.

We are looking for an Associate General Counsel - Policy to join our rapidly growing Legal Team in Washington, DC to lead Anduril's federal and state policy initiatives across defense technology, procurement reform, cybersecurity, manufacturing, export controls, and AI regulation. This role will serve as Anduril's primary legal strategist for shaping the regulatory and policy landscape that governs our business. You'll develop proactive advocacy positions on critical issues—from FAR/DFARS reform and defense acquisition streamlining to emerging AI and cybersecurity frameworks—that directly impact our ability to deliver cutting‑edge autonomous systems to the U.S. Government and allied nations. You will partner closely with Anduril's Government Relations team, Business Development, outside counsel, industry coalitions, and policymakers to craft winning policy campaigns. This is a strategy‑focused role that combines deep regulatory expertise with business acumen to advance company priorities while building Anduril's reputation as a thought leader in defense technology policy. Anduril is a fast‑growing company. Consistent with this fast growth, members of Anduril's Legal Team must be resourceful, creative, and eager to take ownership of complex matters. Our team is passionate about the law and policy of defense technology and you should have an independent interest in the key issues in this field. Anduril fosters a diverse, collaborative culture with tremendous opportunities for ownership and professional growth.

• Be a key member of Anduril's small, dynamic Legal Team.
• Policy Strategy & Development
  • Serve as a strategy leader on defense procurement reform, FAR/DFARS modernization, software acquisition pathways, data rights frameworks, and contract vehicle innovation (e.g., OTAs, CSO authorities)
  • Develop proactive and forward‑looking advocacy positions on emerging policy issues including AI regulation, cybersecurity requirements (CMMC, supply chain security), export control reform (ITAR/EAR), advanced manufacturing incentives, and dual‑use technology frameworks
  • Maintain insight into the priorities of Congress, DoD, DHS, DoE, and other federal/state agencies to anticipate emerging risks and opportunities that affect Anduril's business
  • Combine deep policy expertise with a practical sense of what's possible to ensure advocacy efforts yield tangible results for the company
• Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Coordinate law firms, consultants, trade associations, and coalition partners to execute winning policy campaigns on Anduril's priority issues
  • Develop and lead strategic alliances with industry participants, think tanks, and advocacy organizations to drive policy initiatives
  • Build and maintain high‑trust relationships with key policymakers, including Members of Congress and their staff, DoD acquisition officials, regulatory agency leadership, and state‑level officials
  • Prepare and deliver advocacy materials including position papers, comment letters, legislative testimony, white papers, and briefing materials for executive leadership
  • Participate in and/or organize briefings, and roundtables with federal and state legislators and agency officials on Anduril's substantive priorities
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Anduril's Government Relations, Business Development, Engineering, and Communications teams to align policy positions with business objectives and technical realities
  • Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders across the company to identify policy barriers to growth and develop solutions
  • Represent the Legal team in relationships with outside counsel, consultants, industry groups, and regulatory bodies
  • Assist Communications team in explaining complex policy issues to external audiences, including media, customers, and the public
• Regulatory & Legislative Monitoring
  • Monitor and analyze proposed federal and state legislation, regulations, and agency actions affecting defense technology, autonomous systems, AI, cybersecurity, export controls, and government procurement
  • Conduct policy research and provide legal analysis on emerging regulatory frameworks
  • Track regulatory developments at federal agencies (DoD, State, Commerce, DHS, FCC, etc.) and assess impact on company operations
  • Provide timely notifications to relevant teams within Anduril (e.g., Compliance, Supply Chain) on new or pending legislation or regulations to prepare for implementation

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (DC Bar strongly preferred)
• 7‑10 years of legal and public policy experience, with substantial experience in federal defense policy, government procurement law, or technology regulation
• Deep understanding of defense acquisition and procurement: familiarity with FAR/DFARS, contract vehicles and types (including OTAs, non‑traditional agreements, CAS coverage), software acquisition approaches, data rights issues, and the government procurement process
• Proven aptitude for navigating complex political dynamics and strong political acumen
• Proficiency explaining complex technical and legal issues to policymakers, executives, and generalist audiences
• Established record of cultivating cross‑sector partnerships and building coalitions with industry, government, and advocacy organizations
• Excellent communication, analytical, writing, research, and presentation skills with ability to produce high‑quality advocacy materials under tight deadlines
• The judgment and initiative required to own multiple projects end‑to‑end, whether guiding policy campaigns or handling unexpected legal issues that arise in defense or start‑up companies
• Quick learner and independent performer, able to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑impact environment
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities
• Licensed to practice law in DC

• Pre‑law school professional experience in defense, technology, or government sectors
• Combination of law firm, in‑house, and/or government experience (Congressional staff, DoD, regulatory agency)
• Experience working directly with government officials on policy development or implementation
• Familiarity with emerging issues in AI regulation, cybersecurity frameworks (CMMC, NIST 800‑171), export controls (ITAR/EAR), and digital technology regulation as they relate to defense systems
• Experience with engineering, software, autonomous systems, or other advanced technology
• Strong interest in the law and policy of defense acquisitions with informed opinions about what is right or wrong in the field and creative ideas about how to fix it
• Previous experience engaging with media or preparing executives for public speaking on policy matters
• The ability and grit to operate independently within a rapidly evolving startup environment
• Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next.

Compensation: $336,000 - 444,000 USD per year

Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States