5.6. Director of Government Affairs
Phoenix Tailings
Washington, DC, USA
Posted on Feb 5, 2026
About Phoenix Tailings
Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world’s first fully clean mining and metals production company, producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy.
Why Phoenix Tailings
At Phoenix, we believe nothing great is ever accomplished alone—or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are driven to shape the future of aerospace, defense, and national security through innovation in domestic supply chains, this is your opportunity to have real impact.
Our Values:
● You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong
● Lead with Compassion
● Be Resourceful
● Listen
● Hustle
Who We Are Looking For:
Phoenix Tailings is looking for a senior government affairs leader to define and execute our aerospace and defense engagement strategy at the highest levels of the U.S. government. This role will directly shape how Phoenix becomes a trusted supplier of critical metals to the defense industrial base and a strategic partner to DoW, Congress, and federal agencies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own and execute Phoenix Tailings’ government affairs strategy for aerospace and defense markets
- Drive engagement with DoW, Congress, and federal agencies on critical minerals, industrial base resilience, and supply chain security
- Position Phoenix Tailings as a preferred domestic supplier to defense primes and aerospace OEMs
- Shape federal policy, funding, and procurement pathways that accelerate adoption of Phoenix’s technology
- Lead high-level briefings with senior government officials, defense primes, and industry coalitions
- Identify and influence legislative, regulatory, and budgetary actions that impact defense metals sourcing
- Represent Phoenix Tailings in national security, aerospace, and defense policy forums
Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in government affairs, defense policy, or federal engagement
- Deep familiarity with the defense industrial base and aerospace procurement ecosystem
- Direct experience working with or alongside defense primes (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Boeing)
- Strong understanding of DoW acquisition, industrial base policy, and congressional processes
- Proven ability to influence senior government and industry stakeholders
- Experience translating complex technical or manufacturing capabilities into policy-relevant outcomes
We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:
- Healthcare, we care about you and your family: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Stock: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
- Family Focus: Parental leave and flexibility for families.
- Time Off: Flexible vacation policy to encourage people to get out and see the world.
- Team Fun: Regularly scheduled events, and celebrations.
- Learning: Learning and development Opportunities to grow your skills and career.
- Great team: Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference!
- Flexible culture: We are results-focused. We don’t work at the office every day.
At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.
Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline).
