Director, Business Development

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in District of Columbia, +2 more states.

📋 Description

• Formulate and implement the business development strategy for QuantumScape's defense sector.

• Identify, prioritize, and evaluate opportunities in defense, aerospace, and national security.

• Develop and sustain a pipeline of opportunities that aligns with the company's growth goals.

• Analyze market trends, customer needs, acquisition programs, and competitive landscape.

• Build and nurture relationships with Department of Defense (DoD) organizations, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Operational Science and Technology (OSC), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), government labs, military program offices, prime contractors, and strategic defense collaborators.

• Represent QuantumScape at customer briefings, industry events, and government discussions.

• Act as the customer advocate within the organization.

• Lead activities to capture opportunities from identification to contract award.

• Develop teaming arrangements and strategic alliances.

• Assist in proposal development, contract negotiations, and partnership agreements.

• Create pathways for transitioning from prototype and funded research programs to production opportunities.

• Collaborate with teams across Engineering, Product, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal, and Program Management.

• Convert customer requirements into product and technology priorities.

• Design qualification, testing, certification, and deployment strategies for defense applications.

• Provide market insights to inform product roadmaps and investment decisions.

• Support revenue, funding, and partnership objectives in the defense sector.

• Assist in obtaining government grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and strategic investments.

• Monitor and report on business development metrics, pipeline health, and anticipated opportunities to senior leadership.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Military Studies, Public Policy, or a related field.

• Over 12 years of experience in defense business development, capture management, government programs, aerospace, energy, or advanced technology markets.

• Proven track record of winning and managing complex government and defense-related opportunities.

• In-depth understanding of U.S. defense acquisition processes and contracting pathways.

• Experience collaborating directly with DoD, military services, defense laboratories, or prime defense contractors.

• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior government and industry stakeholders.

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

• Capacity to work effectively in highly technical, fast-paced environments.

• MBA or an advanced technical degree is a plus.

• Previous military service with experience in acquisition, engineering, or program management is advantageous.

• Familiarity with advanced batteries, energy storage, electrification, aerospace systems, or defense technologies is preferred.

• Established relationships with DIU, OSC, DARPA, military branches, national laboratories, or major defense contractors would be beneficial.

• Experience securing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Other Transaction Authority (OTA), Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), or other government-funded programs is a plus.

• Active or previously held U.S. security clearance is desirable.

🏝️ Benefits

• Annual bonus.

• Generous RSU/Equity package.

• Employee-paid health care.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

• Additional benefits.

• Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.