Director of Federal Affairs

Job Overview

Mainspring is seeking a strategic, highly connected Director or Senior Director of Federal Affairs to spearhead our advocacy, legislative, and regulatory initiatives in Washington, D.C. As a leader within our Business Development and Policy team, you will drive the federal strategy necessary to scale our dispatchable and fuel-flexible linear generator technology.

This role is focused on elevating the awareness and relevance of Mainspring’s Linear Generator technology across various levels of the federal government and agencies. You will serve as the primary point of contact for executive branch agencies, the administration, congressional offices, and key congressional committees, while seamlessly managing our external lobbying firms.

Key Responsibilities

• Federal Advocacy & Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive advocacy strategies to advance Mainspring’s priorities within the White House, Department of Energy (DOE), Department of War, and Department of Commerce

• Capital & Policy Alignment: Identify, pursue, and secure high-value federal funding opportunities, including government investment programs, loan programs, and strategic public-private partnerships

• Legislative Engagement: Formulate and advance legislative priorities on the Hill; maintain robust relationships with key Senate and House offices and committees to shape energy and infrastructure policy

• Coalition & Relationship Management: Actively build and manage strategic alliances with industry associations, non-governmental organizations, and corporate partners to amplify Mainspring’s policy voice

• Lobbying Management: Direct and collaborate with external D.C. lobbying firms to maximize impact and ensure alignment with corporate commercial objectives

• Business Development: Work to scale sales via US government channels either via international partnerships or with government agencies

Qualifications

• Experience: 15+ years of experience in domestic and international public affairs, energy policy, or government relations, with a deep understanding of domestic and international energy policy

• Administration & Hill Expertise: Proven track record of working effectively inside or directly with the current administration, executive branch agencies, and major congressional committees

• Deal Architecture: Demonstrated background in energy financing structures, government appropriations, and bringing large-scale federal deals or loan portfolios to execution

• Clearances: Active or prior eligibility for high-level government security clearances (e.g., TS/SCI or Q clearance) is highly preferred

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, Economics, International Relations, or a related field; advanced degree preferred

• Location: Based full-time in Washington, D.C. (Required)

• Travel: ability to travel on occasion