Director, Business Development

QuantumScape

. Develop and execute QuantumScape's defense business development strategy .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $176,665 - $282,664 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in defense business development, including opportunity capture, strategic partnerships, and government contracting. Proven ability to influence stakeholders and translate customer requirements into actionable strategies within the defense sector.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Defense Business DevelopmentGovernment ContractingOpportunity Capture ManagementRelationship BuildingMarket Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Defense Acquisition ProcessesProposal DevelopmentContract NegotiationStrategic PartnershipsMarket InsightsAdvanced BatteriesEnergy StorageAerospace SystemsElectrificationGovernment-Funded Programs

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationNegotiation SkillsInfluencing StakeholdersExecutive PresenceAbility to Work in Fast-Paced Environments

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Security ClearanceMBA or Advanced Technical Degree

Industry Keywords

DoDDARPAMilitary ServicesDefense LaboratoriesNational SecurityAerospaceEnergySBIROTABAA

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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
Serve as the voice of the customer within the organization
Lead opportunity capture activities from identification through contract award
Develop teaming arrangements and strategic partnerships
Support proposal development, contract negotiations, and partnership agreements
Create 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
Shape qualification, testing, certification, and deployment strategies for defense applications
Provide market insights for product roadmaps and investment decisions
Support defense-sector revenue, funding, and partnership targets
Assist with securing government grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and strategic investments
Track and communicate business development metrics, pipeline health, and forecasted opportunities to senior leadership

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Military Studies, Public Policy, or 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 within highly technical, fast-paced environments
MBA or advanced technical degree (nice to have)
Prior military service with acquisition, engineering, or program management experience (nice to have)
Experience with advanced batteries, energy storage, electrification, aerospace systems, or defense technologies (nice to have)
Existing relationships with DIU, OSC, DARPA, military branches, national laboratories, or major defense contractors (nice to have)
Experience securing SBIR, OTA, BAA, or other government-funded programs (nice to have)
Active or previously held U.S. security clearance (nice to have)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus
Generous RSU/Equity package
Employee-paid health care
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
Other benefits
Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities