via Indeed
$123K - 236K a year
Lead state and local government engagement to influence policy, enable deployment, and manage regulatory and site selection activities for a hard-tech company.
Requires 5+ years in state government affairs or regulatory roles in energy, defense, aerospace, or regulated industries with proven policy influence and strong understanding of state legislative and regulatory processes.
The State Engagement Manager owns state and local government engagement for a fast-growing hard-tech company operating at the intersection of aerospace, defense, and energy. This role is highly hands-on and outcome-driven, focused on shaping policy, enabling deployment, and unlocking sites where state and local decisions directly impact our ability to build and operate. You’ll work closely with internal technical, legal, and operations teams while representing the company externally with policymakers, regulators, and partners in priority states. Responsibilities: • Build and execute state and local engagement strategies that directly support deployment, industrial development, and long-term operations. • Influence state legislation, regulations, rulemakings, and executive actions affecting industrial siting, permitting of power generation assets, grid interconnection, and critical infrastructure. • Lead company engagement with state regulators and public utility commissions; represent the company in hearings, meetings, and industry forums. • Hire, manage, and coordinate external lobbyists and advisors in key states; set strategy and ensure alignment with company goals. • Partner on site selection and site-specific strategies for prospective and active locations, coordinating with state and local governments, economic development groups, and community stakeholders. • Work cross-functionally with engineering, legal, policy, communications, and operations teams to translate complex technical concepts into clear policy and regulatory positions. • Track and actively shape state-level policy developments; provide crisp, actionable guidance to leadership. • Ensure compliance with state ethics, lobbying, and disclosure requirements. Required Qualifications and Skills: • 5+ years of experience in state government affairs, public policy, regulatory engagement, or related roles within energy, defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries. • Proven ability to influence state-level policy or regulatory outcomes, not just monitor them. • Strong understanding of state legislative processes, regulatory bodies, and permitting environments. • Comfortable operating in ambiguity and fast-moving environments with limited precedent. • Clear, confident communicator who can work equally well with policymakers and engineers. Desired Qualifications and Skills: • Experience working in or closely with state government, regulatory agencies, or governor’s offices. • Familiarity with energy markets, grid integration, industrial permitting, or large-scale infrastructure projects. • Experience supporting site selection, facility development, or first-of-a-kind deployments. Additional Requirements: • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish our mission. • 100% onsite in Washington, D.C. preferred Compensation Range: $123,000 - $236,250
This job posting was last updated on 2/23/2026