Government Relations Lead

Rocketdyne; Washington, Baltimore (District of Columbia, MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocketdyne seeks a Government Relations Lead to direct its federal engagement with policymakers, agencies, and industry stakeholders. You will shape strategies, monitor policy developments, and strengthen relationships across Congress, DoD, NASA, and other federal bodies.

The role requires strategic thinking, excellent communication, and deep aerospace policy knowledge to advance Rocketdyne’s priorities in a complex federal landscape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with 6 years of relevant experience; or Graduate Degree with 4 years.
• In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 10 years of related experience.
• Experience in government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, defense, aerospace, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute government relations strategies aligned with Rocketdyne’s objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with Congressional offices, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Represent and advocate Rocketdyne priorities with policymakers and government stakeholders.
• Monitor legislative, budgetary, regulatory, and policy developments affecting aerospace and defense sectors.
• Support DoD, U.S. Space Force, NASA, and other federal agencies.

Skills

Policy analysis

Communication

Relationship-building

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's Degree with 6 years

Graduate Degree with 4 years

10 years of related experience in lieu of a degree

Job description

The Government Relations Lead would support Rocketdyne’s engagement with federal policymakers, government agencies, and key industry stakeholders to advance the company’s strategic priorities. This individual will help develop and execute government relations strategies, monitor legislative and policy developments, and strengthen Rocketdyne’s relationships across Congress, the Department of Defense, NASA, and other relevant federal organizations. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong communication, relationship-building, and policy analysis skills and a strong understanding of the aerospace and defense environment.

Essential Functions

• Develop and execute government relations strategies aligned with Rocketdyne’s business objectives, growth priorities, and strategic initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with Congressional offices, committees, federal agencies, and other key government stakeholders.
• Represent and advocate for Rocketdyne priorities with policymakers and government stakeholders.
• Monitor and analyze legislative, budgetary, regulatory, and policy developments affecting Rocketdyne and the broader aerospace, defense, and space markets.
• Support engagement with the Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force, NASA, and other relevant federal agencies.
• Partner with Business Development, Strategy, Communications, and business leadership to align government engagement with key pursuits, programs, and growth priorities.
• Develop briefing materials, talking points, position papers, and executive-level materials for meetings with government stakeholders.
• Support Congressional engagement related to authorizations, appropriations, and other legislative priorities.
• Coordinate visits and engagements with elected officials, government leaders, and other external stakeholders at Rocketdyne facilities.
• Support industry associations, coalitions, and external organizations relevant to Rocketdyne’s strategic priorities.
• Ensure government relations activities comply with applicable lobbying, ethics, disclosure, and company requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with 6 years prior experience, Graduate Degree with 4 years prior experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
• Experience in government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, defense, aerospace, or a related field.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with Congress, the Department of Defense, NASA, or other federal agencies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of the Congressional authorization and appropriations processes
• Knowledge of U.S. national security, space, defense, and aerospace policy
• Experience developing advocacy strategies tied to business and program objectives
• Experience preparing senior executives for engagements with policymakers and government leaders
• Experience working cross-functionally with:
  • business development
  • strategy
  • communications
  • program leadership
  • legal and compliance