Distinguished Government Relations Lead - Req 1623

QuantumScape is on a mission to transform energy storage with solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. The company’s next-generation batteries are designed to enable greater energy density, faster charging and enhanced safety to support the transition away from legacy energy sources toward a lower carbon future.

About the team: QuantumScape is building a dedicated federal government affairs function, reporting directly to the CFO and working closely with Investor Relations and Legal. The function covers DOE, DOC, DOD, and Congress, so QuantumScape speaks with one voice rather than through disconnected agency relationships.

What we need: This is a new, dedicated role. The Director / Senior Director owns the full federal government relations portfolio across DOE, DOC, DOD, and Congress, and acts as the company’s single point of coordination across agencies, the Hill, and the White House. The role manages QuantumScape’s existing outside consultants and adds direct, full-time bandwidth in Washington, DC, particularly for Hill relationship development and DOD engagement.

As Director / Senior Director of Government Relations, you will secure near-term prototype funding, position QuantumScape for factory-scale capital, and shape US battery policy and standards.

What You’ll do:

• Set overall federal government affairs strategy and priorities across DOE, DOC, DOD, and Congress
• Track and apply for existing grant and OTA funding opportunities at DOE, DARPA, DIU (FAStBat/FAStBat-U), and DPA Title III as they open
• Own the competitive proposal process end to end, from white paper/solution brief through award, in coordination with internal technical and BD leads
• Apply for factory-scale capital from DOE, DOC, and DOD (including OSC) for eligible projects
• Run the programmatic addition track: NDAA/appropriations report language, critical-technology designation efforts, and follow-through to convert DOD’s resulting recommendations into an actual budget line and secure the corresponding appropriations
• Own and continuously build the relationship map across HASC/SASC, House/Senate Defense Appropriations, the China Select Committee, Ways & Means/Finance, relevant NSC/NEC staff, and program-level agency leadership
• Influence DOE, DOC, and DOD battery strategy and the support programs that follow, and engage the White House (NSC/NEC) on critical-minerals and battery industrial-policy positioning
• Attend and coordinate QuantumScape’s participation in relevant standards bodies
• Lead advocacy for a high bar on non-China content in US government battery purchasing, and tax-policy advocacy relevant to QuantumScape (e.g., R&D credit transferability)
• Direct QuantumScape’s portfolio of outside firms
• Maintain a documented protocol with Investor Relations and Legal for anything material learned through government relations channels before it is public, and report to the CFO on a regular cadence

Skills You’ll Need:

• 10+ years of experience in federal government relations, defense, or energy policy; bachelor's degree required, advanced degree (e.g., JD, MPP/MPA, MBA, or a technical field) preferred, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated, personal track record securing government funding for a commercial technology company, including the specific instrument type (grant, OTA, appropriation, Title III), award size, and what you personally owned versus supported
• Functional technical fluency in battery, energy storage, or comparable deep-tech program work, sufficient to engage DOD/DOE program offices without a technical translator
• Demonstrated ability to operate with fair autonomy in front of government counterparts
• Direct DOD funding and defense-sector experience

Nice to have:

• Former DIU, OSC, or DARPA official who has transitioned to industry business development or government affairs
• Former military with a technical acquisition or program background (not military service alone) who has moved into Hill or industry government affairs work
• Battery or materials-sector government affairs leader with deep Hill relationships and trade-policy experience (e.g., Section 301, AD/CVD, tax credits)

Location: This is a remote role based in Washington, DC or the DC metro area. 

Compensation & Benefits: Expected salary range for this role is from $189,748 to $303,668, and a final salary will be determined by the candidate's experience, educational background and internal equity. QuantumScape also offers an annual bonus and a generous RSU/Equity package as part of its compensation plan. In addition, we do offer a tremendous benefits plan including employee paid health care, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and other benefits. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.