Location: Washington, DC area (with some travel to Austin, TX); in DC office 3 days a week
Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance
Reports to: CGO
About NODA
NODA is a Veteran-owned, venture-backed technology company that is transforming how unmanned systems collaborate in complex, mission-critical environments. We are developing next-generation solutions that enable the autonomous orchestration of heterogeneous unmanned systems across air, sea, land, and space with vital applications in the defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors.
As autonomy becomes central to how the U.S. and its allies operate, the policy, budget, and regulatory decisions made in Washington directly shape how quickly NODA's technology reaches the warfighter. The Legislative and Government Affairs Manager is NODA's voice on Capitol Hill and across the Executive Branch, building the relationships and strategy that turn mission impact into lasting support.
Joining NODA means working on meaningful technology that pushes the boundaries of autonomy alongside a team that thrives on innovation, rapid iteration, and collaboration.
The Role
As our Legislative and Government Affairs Director, you'll build and lead NODA’s government relations function from the ground up. You'll help develop our legislative strategy, represent NODA with Congress, the Department of Defense, and key policy stakeholders, and make sure our programs are understood, funded, and positioned for growth.
You'll work directly with the CGO, CEO, the leadership team, and Business Development team to align government affairs with our capture and program priorities, from authorization and appropriations through to policy on autonomy, unmanned systems, and defense acquisition reform.
This is a rare chance to shape how a fast-growing defense technology company engages with Washington. You'll have real influence over strategy, direct access to leadership, and the opportunity to build a function that grows with NODA as we move from prototype to production programs.
Key Responsibilities
Develop/Inform and execute NODA's legislative and government affairs strategy, aligned with company priorities, capture plans, and program growth
Build and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, committee staff, and personal office staff, particularly on the House and Senate Armed Services and Defense Appropriations committees
Engage with the Department of Defense, the military services, and other Executive Branch stakeholders on policy, requirements, and budget priorities relevant to autonomy and unmanned systems
Lead NODA’s engagement in the NDAA and defense appropriations cycles, including drafting and advocating for report language, plus-ups, and program support
Monitor, analyze, and brief leadership on legislation, budget requests, regulations, and policy developments affecting NODA and the wider defense technology sector
Translate NODA’s technology and mission impact into clear, compelling materials for policymakers, including white papers, one-pagers, testimony support, and briefings
Plan and manage Hill visits, site visits, demonstrations, and engagements with policymakers and government stakeholders
Partner with Business Development, Capture, and Program teams so government affairs activity supports pipeline and program execution
Represent NODA within industry associations, coalitions, and think tanks, building strategic alliances that strengthen our policy positions
Manage relationships with external government affairs consultants and lobbying firms as needed
Engage with state and international stakeholders, including Texas state government and allied partners, as NODA expands
Track engagement activity and report on outcomes, priorities, and impact to leadership
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field
10+ years of experience in legislative affairs, government relations, or policy, including time on Capitol Hill, in the Executive Branch, or in a defense industry government affairs role
Strong working knowledge of the federal legislative and budget process, including the NDAA and defense appropriations cycles
Established relationships with congressional offices and committee staff, particularly on defense-focused committees
Understanding of DoD budgeting, requirements, and acquisition processes (PPBE)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technology clearly to non-technical audiences
Working knowledge of the Lobbying Disclosure Act and federal ethics requirements
Due to the nature of the position, U.S. citizenship is required due to ITAR regulations, along with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience as professional staff on HASC, SASC, HAC-D, or SAC-D, or in a DoD legislative affairs office
Government affairs experience at a defense technology, aerospace, or venture-backed startup company
Familiarity with autonomy, unmanned systems, AI policy, or emerging technology in defense
Experience securing funding for programs through authorization or appropriations
Familiarity with nontraditional acquisition pathways such as OTAs, SBIR/STTR, and DIU programs
Prior military service or government experience
Existing security clearance
Skills & Attributes
Strategic thinker who connects policy and budget developments to business impact
Trusted relationship builder with credibility across both sides of the aisle
Clear, persuasive communicator in writing and in person
Builder’s mindset, comfortable standing up a function where none exists
High judgment and discretion in handling sensitive information and relationships
Collaborative partner to leadership, Business Development, and Program teams
Mission driven, with a genuine interest in and respect for NODA AI's defense mission and the people who serve it
Growth Path at NODA
Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy: own NODA’s full policy, legislative, and government relations strategy as part of the leadership team
Export Control Compliance
To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.
Equal Opportunity Statement
NODA AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace and to maintaining equitable employment and hiring practices. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
As a federal contractor, NODA AI complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity and affirmative action requirements, including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the recruiting, hiring, and employment process.
Consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with applicable fair chance and ban-the-box laws, including the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance where applicable. We actively encourage qualified individuals of all backgrounds, including women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities, to apply.
NODA AI is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and accessible work environment for all applicants and employees. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@NodaIntelligence.ai or contact your recruiter so we can provide the support you need.