Head of Government Relations

About Solcoa

Solcoa is rebuilding Western metallization from the ground up, starting with rare earths. We produce NdPr and DyTb metal alloys at >99.5% TREM purity using a proprietary pyrometallurgical process, feeding end‑of‑life NdFeB magnets and other feedstocks directly into metal. Our 31,000‑sq‑ft pilot facility is located in Alameda, California.

Location

Washington, D.C.; Alameda, California

Employment Type

Full time, On‑site, Corporate

Compensation

• Base Salary $200K – $300K
• Equity $500K – $750K
• Bonus
• Compensation Range: $200K – $300K

Responsibilities

• Own Solcoa's federal strategy end‑to‑end across the executive branch, the Hill, and key agencies.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, staffers, and operators who shape our market.
• Pursue and structure government‑backed financing and procurement opportunities as they arise.
• Track and shape trade and industrial policy landscape—including China export controls, allied‑sourcing frameworks, and defense supply chain rules—and translate it into commercial advantage.
• Engage at the state and local level where it matters, including California.
• Work with the BD and lobbying team to turn policy momentum into customer wins.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years in federal policy, lobbying, or government, including the executive branch (DoD, DOE, Commerce, USTR, NSC, NEC), the Hill (SASC, HASC, ENR, Natural Resources, Select Committee on China), or a top think tank (CSIS, CNAS, SAFE).
• Real working knowledge of DPA Title III, the OSC, DFARS, and how DoD writes critical‑mineral contracts.
• Founder‑like instinct: able to build a function from scratch rather than inherit one.
• Strong point of view on China, critical minerals, and the defense industrial base that can be defended.
• D.C.‑based with willingness to travel to our Alameda facility at least monthly.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Meaningful equity package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Relocation support.
• Access to an office in DC.
• Visa sponsorship available if needed.