Director, Market Intelligence & Government Relations

Apply Description Due to the nature of our work in defense, Darkhive does not provide visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which usually requires US citizenship. About Darkhive, LLC Established in 2021, Darkhive is redefining the future of autonomous systems. We design and build next-generation hardware and software solutions that seamlessly integrate into critical public safety and defense networks. Our core focus centers on developing tactical, human-machine interfaces and scaling the mass production of affordable, attritable uncrewed systems alongside our government partners. At Darkhive, we are a high-growth team of U.S. Special Operations veterans, aerospace engineers, robotics perception experts, and DevSecOps professionals. Above all, we are a mission-first culture. We believe that global teams operating on the front lines deserve high-quality, intelligent tools that ensure safety when each second counts. If you are a free-thinking problem solver looking to build cutting-edge robotics in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment, apply with Darkhive today! About the Role: Darkhive is looking for a Director of Market Intelligence & Government Relations to own two closely linked functions: understanding where defense spending and competitive dynamics are moving, and building the government relationships and policy fluency that let us move with them. This role sits within Strategy & Corporate Development and reports into the Chief Strategy Officer. We combined these two functions deliberately. Market intelligence without a government relations lens produces analysis that doesn't translate into relationships; government relations without market intelligence produces relationships that aren't grounded in where the budget and competitive landscape are actually headed. This role owns both halves of that picture. This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the CSO. This position is remote (preference on DMV area) with travel up to 25% to our company headquarters or other locations. What You'll Do: Market Intelligence & Analysis Track competitors, peer companies, and adjacent players across the UAS and counter-UAS landscape Monitor DoD and service-level budget lines, NDAA provisions, and procurement trends to inform business development and product decisions Build and maintain market sizing, forecasting, and win/loss analysis that grounds pursuit decisions in data rather than relationship-driven guessing Deliver regular intelligence briefings to Business Development, Capture, and executive leadership Government Relations & Policy Own relationships with congressional offices, defense committees, and relevant DoD and agency stakeholders Track ITAR/EAR and export-control policy shifts and advise leadership on business and operational implications Represent the company at industry days, policy forums, and government-industry working groups Coordinate with outside counsel or policy advisors on appropriations, authorization, and other policy engagements as needed Cross-Functional Partner closely with Communications & PR to keep policy narrative and press narrative aligned, given the natural overlap between the two functions Support Corporate Development and Partnerships with market and policy context for strategic opportunities Brief the CSO ahead of board and investor conversations touching policy or competitive positioning Qualifications: Required 6–10 years of experience across market/competitive intelligence, government relations, or defense policy Working familiarity with the DoD budget cycle (PPBE), the NDAA process, and congressional engagement Strong analytical and writing skills — comfortable producing both a sharp internal briefing and an external-facing policy position Bachelor's degree required Preferred Existing relationships within DoD, a service branch, or on Capitol Hill Working knowledge of ITAR/EAR and export-control frameworks, particularly for dual-use technology Experience at a defense tech startup or another company balancing government and commercial rules Experience building a market intelligence or government relations function from scratch Physical and/or Mental Requirements: Ability to sit and/or stand for periods of time Ability to use a keyboard, mouse, and other equipment with or without accommodations Ability to maintain awareness during business hours Ability to lift up to 15 pounds Excellent written and verbal communication and good command of the English language Learns and memorizes routine tasks Reasonable accommodations will be provided to any person with a disability to be able to perform the essential job functions of this position Darkhive retains the right to change or assign other duties as required for this position Selection Process: Hiring team reviews applications 20-minute pre-screen with Darkhive recruiter 30-minute phone screen with the hiring manager Take home project In-person or video interview with hiring team Benefits Darkhive offers: Comprehensive medical plans 100% employer paid dental and vision insurance premiums Automatic 401k employer contribution with vesting Paid vacation and personal time off 11 Paid holidays 5 days of sick leave Stock options Welcoming and friendly work environment Respect of work-life balance Darkhive is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant because of race, color, gender (including pregnancy), age, gender identity, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.