Position SummaryVatn Systems is building out its Government Relations function and seeks a
Government Relations Manager to serve as the company's day-to-day architect and operator of Government strategy with particular focus on Congress. This person will report to the VP of Government Relations to manage congressional engagement across various House and Senate Committees, with a particular focus on the defense appropriations process (markup cycles, committee hearings, program plus-ups, report language) and authorization priorities affecting naval, undersea, and unmanned systems.
Key Responsibilities- Monitor, analyze, and report on the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and Defense Appropriations bills, tracking provisions, report language, and funding lines relevant to Vatn Systems' programs and the broader unmanned maritime systems portfolio.
- Build and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, committee staff, and relevant caucuses on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees (HASC/SASC) and Defense Appropriations Subcommittees (HAC-D/SAC-D).
- Develop and execute legislative strategies to secure, protect, and grow program funding lines and advance policy provisions that support the company's technology and contracting priorities.
- Translate technical program information (e.g., undersea vehicle capabilities, launch platform integration, production timelines) into congressionally digestible narratives tied to member priorities, state/district economic impact, and military requirements.
- Coordinate closely with the VP of Government Relations on overall legislative strategy, and with company leadership on the timing and framing of legislative landscape, political dynamics, and impacts on defense policy affecting the company.
- Monitor and report on legislative developments affecting Vatn's product lines and the broader undersea/unmanned systems portfolio, including NDAA and appropriations conference dynamics.
- Support preparation for CEO and other company executives for engagements, briefings, and site visits (including coordination of CODEL and STAFFDEL facility tours to Bristol, RI, military exercises and demonstrations, and other events).
- Represent Vatn at relevant congressional and industry events, hearings, and markups.
- Partner with outside lobbying support and trade associations as needed, ensuring consistent messaging.
- Assist Growth team in additional outreach activities including trade shows, demonstrations, and other events as required.
Required Qualifications- Minimum 3 years of experience as a professional staff member, member staff, or equivalent experience with the House or Senate Armed Services Committees and Appropriations Committees
- Direct, hands-on experience with the defense authorization and/or appropriations markup process, including drafting bill and report language.
- Established current relationships with committee staff, clerks, and/or member offices relevant to defense programs.
- Demonstrated fluency in the legislative and budget calendar, including continuing resolution dynamics, conference processes, and omnibus negotiations.
- Ability to obtain and maintain SECRET clearance.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical defense program detail into clear legislative asks.
- Willingness to travel regularly between Washington, DC and Bristol, RI.
Preferred Qualifications- Prior exposure to Navy undersea warfare programs, unmanned maritime systems, or shipbuilding/submarine industrial base issues.
- Experience supporting or coordinating with program executive offices (e.g., PEO SSN, PEO UWS, PAE USW) or NAVSEA.
- Familiarity with rapid acquisition pathways (e.g., APFIT) and non-traditional defense contracting.
- Prior private-sector or defense-industry government relations experience.
