SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Salary: USD 282,220 - 317,490 / annual
Divergent is seeking a Vice President, Washington Operations to lead the strategic development of the company's newly formed Washington, DC / Northern Virginia office. This executive role sits at the intersection of business development and government relations, serving as Divergent's primary liaison to the Department of Defense and other Executive Branch agencies.
Washington Office Leadership: You will represent Divergent as a senior, visible presence in the Washington defense and aerospace community. You will establish and lead the Washington, DC / Northern Virginia office, including its strategy, operating model, staffing plan, budget, and performance metrics. You will recruit, develop, and lead a high-caliber team of government relations, policy, and business development professionals as the office grows.
Government Liaison and Strategic Engagement: Serve as the principal point of contact with the Department of Defense, Military Departments, defense agencies, and Executive Branch stakeholders. Build and sustain trusted relationships with senior acquisition, requirements, technology, and industrial base leaders. Lead strategic engagements to position Divergent as a preferred partner for advanced manufacturing and defense industrial base priorities. Engage with the White House, Office of Management and Budget, and other stakeholders as appropriate.
Business Development and Capture: Assist with identification, shaping, and qualification of new business opportunities in advance of formal solicitation. Partner with the Chief Commercial Officer and capture teams to develop capture strategies and win themes. Provide customer insight, competitive intelligence, and budget/requirements analysis to inform pursuit decisions. Support teaming and partnership strategy with primes and other industry partners. Contribute to bookings and revenue growth targets through disciplined pipeline development.
Policy, Budget, and Market Intelligence: Monitor and interpret defense policy, budget formulation, acquisition reform, appropriations, and authorization activity affecting Divergent's markets. Advise executive leadership on policy and regulatory developments, risks, and opportunities. Support the Chief Commercial Officer's legislative engagement with technical, budget, and requirements substance behind Divergent's positions. This role operates below Lobbying Disclosure Act registration thresholds in full compliance with applicable law.
Compliance and Governance: Ensure all government engagement complies with applicable laws and regulations, including lobbying disclosure, gift and ethics rules, procurement integrity requirements, and export control requirements. Establish internal protocols for Washington-based activity and customer contact.
Success Measures (First 12 Months): Establish Washington office with defined metrics in partnership with the Chief Commercial Officer. Build executive-level relationships with priority customers across the Department of Defense and key agencies. Develop a qualified pipeline of shaped opportunities integrated with corporate capture process. Make measurable contribution to bookings targets under an agreed attribution method. Implement compliance framework for Washington engagement.
Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs and supports leading U.S. aerospace and defense companies. The company builds an integrated engineering and manufacturing platform that transforms complex designs into production-ready solutions.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Current DoD security clearance or ability to obtain and retain clearance within 365 days from submission
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- 15 or more years of progressive experience in defense, aerospace, or national security business development, government relations, or senior government service
- Demonstrated record of leading strategic engagements with the Department of Defense, Military Departments, or other Executive Branch agencies
- Proven experience identifying and shaping opportunities and contributing to major captures and awards
- Deep understanding of the defense acquisition process, federal budget cycle, and defense industrial base
- Established network of senior relationships within the Washington national security community
- Experience building or leading teams, ideally including standing up a new office or function
- Exceptional executive presence, communication, and negotiation skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Advanced degree
- Experience with government contracting and/or advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, or emerging defense technology companies
- Familiarity with nontraditional acquisition pathways, including Other Transaction Authorities, SBIR/STTR, and rapid acquisition programs
- Prior senior service in the Department of Defense, a Military Department, or a congressional or White House national security role
- Experience supporting a growth-stage or venture-backed company
Work Environment: Based in Washington, DC / Northern Virginia. Regular travel to Divergent facilities in California and to customer sites is expected.
