Director, Business Development

QuantumScape Corporation

7d•$176,665 - $282,664•Remote

About The Position

QuantumScape is building a defense and national security business to deliver mission-critical energy storage solutions to military, aerospace, and government customers. The Director of Business Development will lead customer engagement, opportunity capture, strategic partnerships, and revenue growth in the defense sector, and help shape the company's defense commercialization strategy. The role focuses on opportunities across the Department of Defense, Defense Innovation Unit, Office of Strategic Capital, DARPA, military services, prime contractors, aerospace companies, and emerging defense technology partners. The director will connect customer needs with QuantumScape's technology roadmap and help transition battery technologies into deployed defense programs. During the first 12 months, the role is expected to build a qualified defense opportunity pipeline, establish strategic relationships with key defense agencies and prime contractors, secure initial customer engagements, funded programs, or partnership agreements, help define the defense market strategy and commercialization roadmap, and position the company for long-term participation in defense and national security programs. The position is remote and based in Washington, DC or the DC metro area. The expected salary range is $176,665 to $282,664, with the final salary based on experience, education, and internal equity. Compensation also includes an annual bonus and RSU/equity package. QuantumScape offers employee-paid health care, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and other benefits.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Military Studies, Public Policy, or a related field.
12+ years of experience in defense business development, capture management, government programs, aerospace, energy, or advanced technology markets.
Demonstrated success winning and managing complex government and defense-related opportunities.
Deep understanding of U.S. defense acquisition processes and contracting pathways.
Experience working directly with DoD, military services, defense laboratories, or defense prime contractors.
Strong executive presence and ability to influence senior government and industry stakeholders.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work effectively in highly technical, fast-paced environments.

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced technical degree.
Prior military service with acquisition, engineering, or program management experience.
Experience with advanced batteries, energy storage, electrification, aerospace systems, or defense technologies.
Existing relationships with DIU, OSC, DARPA, military branches, national laboratories, or major defense contractors.
Experience securing SBIR, OTA, BAA, or other government-funded programs.
Active or previously held U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute QuantumScape's defense business development strategy.
Identify, prioritize, and qualify defense, aerospace, and national security opportunities.
Build and maintain an opportunity pipeline aligned with company growth objectives.
Assess market trends, customer requirements, acquisition programs, and competitive dynamics.
Establish and maintain relationships with DoD organizations, DIU, OSC, DARPA, government laboratories, military program offices, prime contractors, and strategic defense partners.
Represent QuantumScape at customer briefings, industry conferences, and government meetings, and serve as the voice of the customer within the organization.
Lead opportunity capture from identification through contract award.
Develop teaming arrangements and strategic partnerships with defense contractors, system integrators, and technology providers.
Support proposal development, contract negotiations, and partnership agreements.
Develop transition pathways from prototype and funded research programs into production opportunities.
Collaborate with Engineering, Product, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal, and Program Management teams.
Translate customer requirements into product and technology priorities and help shape qualification, testing, certification, and deployment strategies for defense applications.
Provide market insights to inform product roadmaps and investment decisions.
Support defense-sector revenue, funding, and partnership targets, including efforts to secure government grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and strategic investments.
Track and communicate business development metrics, pipeline health, and forecasted opportunities to senior leadership.