The VP, Government Affairs will serve as the company’s primary leader for government affairs and Washington engagement strategy during a significant stage of company growth and market expansion. They will partner closely with executive leadership to help shape AEVEX’s long-term federal positioning, strengthen strategic relationships across government and industry, and elevate the company’s presence within the defense and national security landscape. Qualified Candidates must live in the DC area.  Essential Functions * Lead AEVEX’s government affairs strategy and federal engagement activities. * Monitor legislative, regulatory, and political developments that impact the organization. * Develop and execute a long-term Washington engagement strategy aligned with the company’s growth objectives and strategic priorities. * Build and maintain senior-level relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, DoD leadership, federal agencies, industry associations, and key national security stakeholders. * Lead the creation of policy positions, advocacy materials, and strategic recommendations for senior leadership. * Advise executive leadership on federal policy trends, defense priorities, appropriations activity, and emerging opportunities impacting the business. * Position AEVEX within the broader defense and aerospace ecosystem through strategic relationship development and external engagement. * Identify opportunities to strengthen the company’s visibility, credibility, and influence across government and industry channels. * Represent AEVEX at congressional meetings, industry forums, policy discussions, trade associations, and national security events. * Partner with business leaders to align government affairs priorities with corporate growth initiatives and mission objectives. * Provide strategic guidance regarding legislative, regulatory, and political developments affecting the defense and aerospace sectors. * Lead development of executive briefings, policy recommendations, advocacy materials, and strategic communications for senior leadership. * Collaborate cross-functionally with business development, communications, legal, and operational leadership teams. * Oversee the company’s PAC activities, including strategy, compliance, employee engagement initiatives, and reporting requirements. * Support the continued establishment and expansion of AEVEX’s long-term Washington footprint and federal engagement infrastructure. * Perform other duties as required. * Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule]. * Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices. * Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture. Qualifications and Competencies * Demonstrated executive-level leadership within government affairs, defense policy, congressional engagement, or federal strategy. * Deep understanding of the defense, aerospace, intelligence, and national security landscape. * Strong existing relationships across Congress, DoD, federal agencies, and/or the broader defense community. * Proven ability to influence and advise senior executives on strategic government affairs matters. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Strong executive presence with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills. * Ability to operate strategically while navigating a fast-paced and evolving environment. * Demonstrated success shaping external engagement strategy and organizational positioning. * Strong analytical, political, and business acumen. Leadership Competencies * Directs and provides expert knowledge in the strategic function of the department. * Develops short and long-term people and organizational strategy in alignment with AEVEX goals and direction. * Leads with impact & influence. Establishes credibility, effectively persuades and develops others, and achieves important objectives collaboratively. * Drives strategic change and promotes improvements within the organization. * Identifies, recruits, and retains top-notch talent. * Champions AEVEX’s culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals. * Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and performance management. * Maintains transparent communication. Appropriately communicates organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, and regular interpersonal communication. Education / Certifications * Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, government, international affairs, or related field required. * Advanced degree in public policy, law, business, national security studies, or related field preferred. Experience * 15+ years of progressive experience in government affairs, defense policy, congressional relations, federal engagement, or related leadership roles. * Significant experience working with senior government officials, policymakers, defense stakeholders, and industry leadership. * Experience operating within high-growth or evolving organizations. Physical Requirements * Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment Note: For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the work day, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time. Security Clearance * Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required. The Company provides a reasonable range of compensation. Actual compensation is influenced by an array of factors including, but not limited to, skill set, level of experience, and specific location. The range of starting pay for this position is for the listed location only.  Salary Range $293,200—$354,600 USD   About AEVEX  AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.     AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.   Equal Employment Opportunity: AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.