Full-Time

Director of Government Affairs

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Hermeus

Hermeus

201-500 employees

Develops hypersonic aircraft for high-speed travel

Aerospace

Compensation Overview

$220k - $250kAnnually

Senior

Washington, DC, USA

This role requires onsite presence in Washington, D.C.

US Top Secret Clearance Required

Category
Research & Development
Space & Rocket Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Required Skills
PowerPoint/Keynote/Slides
Requirements
  • Possesses extensive (8+ years) experience in defense and national security on Capitol Hill or in government relations roles, either within the Executive Branch or in a comparable position in the defense industry.
  • Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of U.S. federal appropriations and policymaking processes, including the roles of executive agencies, the White House, the Senate, and the House, as well as how these processes affect the company’s business development goals.
  • Willingness to register as a lobbyist if necessary (or current registration).
  • Proven track record of successfully planning and executing strategies to advance government relations objectives and drive change in legislative policies and budgeting processes.
  • Experienced in defense policy and budget matters, with a solid grasp of the defense and national security sector, including key players, constituents, and organizations.
  • Skilled at forming and cultivating relationships with important congressional members (and staff), executive branch officials, industry leaders, and trade associations.
  • Capable of thriving in a dynamic, action-oriented environment where decision-making is critical.
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degrees are considered an asset.
  • Willingness to travel.
  • Must be available for on-site work in our Washington, D.C. office.
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. TS/SCI security clearance.
Responsibilities
  • Draft and manage the company’s congressional engagement process, including white papers, PowerPoint presentations, congressional testimony, hearing preparation, and other required deliverables.
  • Monitor, analyze, and engage in the annual congressional policymaking process, with an emphasis on appropriations, defense, and homeland security policy to support company priorities.
  • Lead the design, implementation, and execution of government relations (GR) strategies to ensure alignment with corporate strategic and business goals.
  • Draft Hermeus congressional and executive branch requests and determine when, where, and how Hermeus can drive favorable outcomes to further the company’s strategic objectives.
  • Coordinate with relevant congressional committees to advance Hermeus’ bill language and funding objectives, including NDAA language, appropriations, and commercial aviation and export control policy.
  • Collaborate with the C-Suite to ensure that congressional, state, and other departmental engagement plans are appropriately aligned.
  • Coordinate and oversee visits by congressional members and staff to Hermeus facilities.
  • Manage Hermeus’ external lobbyists in support of the aforementioned campaigns.
  • Serve as an ambassador for Hermeus in appropriate formal and informal settings (podcasts, speaking engagements, conferences, tradeshows, etc.).
  • Act as the primary relationship owner/manager for congressional, executive branch, state, and relevant non-defense/intelligence departments.
  • Oversee the company’s Political Action Committee activities and coordinate with Hermeus’ leadership to develop an appropriate PAC strategy.

Hermeus is developing a hypersonic aircraft capable of reaching speeds of Mach 5, which is over twice the speed of the Concorde, allowing for travel at approximately 3,800 miles per hour. This technology aims to significantly cut down travel times for airlines and government agencies interested in high-speed transportation. The aircraft operates using a hypersonic engine powered by the Pratt & Whitney F100 turbine, which has already undergone successful testing. Unlike its competitors, Hermeus focuses specifically on hypersonic travel, setting it apart in the aerospace industry. The company's goal is to create and sell these high-speed aircraft, and it has recently demonstrated strong investor confidence by raising $100 million in funding.

Company Stage

Seed

Total Funding

$210.1M

Headquarters

Atlanta, Georgia

Founded

2018

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

6%

1 year growth

34%

2 year growth

126%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Hermeus' partnerships with government agencies like the US Air Force and NASA provide significant opportunities for technological validation and funding.
  • The successful rollout of the Quarterhorse Mk 1 and its upcoming flight tests demonstrate rapid progress and potential for market entry.
  • The company's innovative approach, including the use of 3D printing for aircraft parts, positions it at the forefront of aerospace manufacturing technology.

What critics are saying

  • The high costs and technical challenges associated with developing hypersonic aircraft could lead to delays and increased financial strain.
  • Dependence on government contracts and partnerships may expose Hermeus to political and regulatory risks.

What makes Hermeus unique

  • Hermeus is focused on developing hypersonic aircraft capable of reaching Mach 5, a speed that far surpasses current commercial and military aircraft.
  • The company has successfully tested its hypersonic engine powered by the Pratt & Whitney F100 turbine, showcasing significant technological advancements.
  • Hermeus has secured substantial funding, including a $100 million Series B round led by Sam Altman, indicating strong investor confidence.

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Benefits

Paid family leave

Employer-paid health care

Stock options

Competitive salary

PTO

Team bonding