Director, Government Affairs

Radar Reinvented.

Echodyne offers the world’s first compact solid-state true beam-steering radar for a wide range of industries and applications. Our high-performance radars work in all weather and are designed for autonomous vehicles, uncrewed aircraft & drones, and security of borders, critical infrastructure, and smart cities. The company combines the patented technology of metamaterials with powerful software to create a radar sensor with unprecedented performance at commercial price points. Echodyne offers its radars to companies working in Automotive, Transportation, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Border Security, Smart Cities, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), and Airspace Management including Urban Air Mobility (UTM).

Echodyne is seeking a Director of Government Affairs to join our fast-growing team.

The Director of Government Affairs serves as the primary company representative to U.S. Congress, executive agencies, industry associations, standards bodies, and other regulatory bodies as applicable, and ensures that Echodyne’s interests are represented in all appropriate committees and conversations, and that Echodyne is aware of all US Federal Government legislative, policy making, authorizing, and appropriating activities that may directly or indirectly impact its business pursuits.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Government Relations Expertise

• Deep knowledge of federal legislative and regulatory processes.
• Familiarity with DHS, FAA, FCC/NTIA, and key Federal law enforcement and security organizations outside of the Dept of Defense.
• Draft position statements, coordinate comment submissions, and participate in public meetings or hearings.

• Policy Development & Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive government affairs strategy that aligns with company priorities and market opportunities.
• Identify emerging policy and regulatory issues that impact the company, including legislation, appropriations, and executive actions.

• Networking & Relationship Management

• Existing network or demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with Congressional staff, agency leaders, and industry associations.
• Proven experience navigating trade associations, coalitions, and federal advisory boards.
• Represent the company in industry associations and consortiums.

• Strategic Communication

• Excellent written and verbal communication tailored for policymakers, agency leadership, and industry stakeholders.
• Ability to craft policy briefs, advocacy plans, and testimony.

• Internal Advocacy and Advisory Role

• Advise executive leadership on policy trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Train and support internal stakeholders (e.g., BD, product teams) on the implications of public sector policy shifts.
• Advise Sales teams and, as necessary, Customers on issues related to public sector policy.

• Funding and Program Advocacy

• Support capture efforts for key programs, primarily outside of the DOD, by advocating for budget inclusion.
• Monitor appropriations cycles, defense budget requests, and earmark opportunities.

• Compliance and Ethics Oversight

• • Ensure all lobbying and political engagement activities comply with federal, state, and local laws (e.g., LDA, FEC rules).
  • Understanding of technology export controls (e.g., ITAR, EAR) and national security compliance issues.
  • Maintain accurate records and filings.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 20+ years in government affairs, public policy, or legislative roles and aviation.
• Deep experience with emerging security and airspace policy issues, with an emphasis on UAS, AAM, and Counter-UAS across U.S. agencies.
• Strong familiarity with U.S. and global spectrum issues regarding Radar.
• Strong security technology domain knowledge, including familiarity with sensors, software, and systems.
• Education and skills in multiparty negotiation, and coalition building
• Security clearance (or eligibility) is a strong plus.

Echodyne’s technology is export controlled by the U.S. Government and we must evaluate an applicant’s eligibility to handle export-controlled information or obtain required Government authorizations.  Therefore, we will ask you as part of the application process to identify whether you are a U.S. Citizen or green card holder, or have asylum/refugee status in the U.S.