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Autonomous Vehicles, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Automotive

California State Policy Manager

RemoteRemoteFull TimeManager / Head$177,000–$218,000 /yrPosted 1 month agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

  • Sacramento
  • California State Legislature
  • Governor's Office
  • executive state agencies
  • local elected officials
  • county boards of supervisors
  • municipal agencies
  • Solano
  • Yolo
  • Napa

Nice to have

  • tech policy
  • transportation policy
  • DMV
  • CPUC
  • Caltrans
  • bipartisan Capitol network

Role summary

Waymo is seeking a California State Policy Manager to lead its government affairs and policy efforts in Sacramento and across the state. This role involves direct advocacy, relationship-building with policymakers at state and local levels, and strategizing to navigate the political and regulatory landscape for autonomous driving technology. The manager will collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams, manage advocacy operations, and provide executive reporting. The ideal candidate has 7-10 years of experience in public policy or government affairs within California, with a proven track record in Sacramento engagement and local government navigation. Subject matter expertise in tech and transportation policy is preferred.

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver—The World's Most Experienced Driver™—to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.

The Waymo Policy and Government Affairs team has a front seat in this exciting moment in the evolution of autonomous driving technology, transportation and tech policy. Successful navigation of the policy landscape is critically important to deploying and scaling our business. Our team works directly with policymakers and third party groups at the national, state and local levels to help advance transportation policy, educate on the safety benefits of the technology, and advance consumer awareness and acceptance. Internally, our efforts support the innovative work of engineering, product, strategy, and partnerships teams, and we work closely with highly-skilled legal and safety experts.

This role is based in Sacramento (remote) and reports to the Regional Head of the West.

You will:

  • Serve as the face of Waymo in Sacramento: Lead direct advocacy and relationship-building with members and staff in the California State Legislature, the Governor’s Office, and relevant executive state agencies to preserve and expand operational freedom.
  • Drive regional and county-level outreach: Cultivate proactive partnerships with local elected officials, county boards of supervisors, and municipal agencies—with dedicated focus on Solano, Yolo, and Napa counties—to support existing and planned service expansion.
  • Strategize through political headwinds: Continuously evaluate the political landscape to identify emerging regulatory risks, determine key stakeholder engagement priorities, and advise leadership on how to conduct business safely and sustainably across California.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally across internal teams: Translate state legislative developments into actionable guidance for Legal, Communications, Product, and Operations teams to ensure seamless commercial alignment.
  • Manage advocacy operations and executive reporting: Steer internal briefing cadences, organize strategic preparation for legislative hearings, and represent Waymo at external industry forums, coalition tables, and Capitol events.

    • You have:

  • 7–10 years of professional experience in public policy, government affairs, legislative advocacy, or regulatory affairs within California.
  • Demonstrated track record of direct Sacramento engagement, including lobbying, building relationships, and negotiating policy outcomes with the California Legislature, the Governor's Office, and state agencies.
  • Ability to navigate local governments, specifically navigating city councils, county supervisors, and local government dynamics in Northern California (including or adjacent to Solano, Yolo, and Napa counties)
  • Strategic public policy problem-solving skills, with the proven ability to navigate high-stakes political environments, analyze complex legislation, and safeguard commercial freedom to operate.
  • Exceptional cross-functional teamwork and organizational discipline, with demonstrated ability to manage fast-moving priorities, deliver structured internal updates, and align diverse internal stakeholders.

    • We prefer:

  • Subject matter expertise in tech policy and transportation policy, including familiarity with key oversight bodies such as the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and Caltrans.
  • An established, bipartisan Capitol network, spanning leadership offices, relevant policy committees (e.g., Transportation, Judiciary, Energy & Utilities), and regional government associations.
  • Experience with high-profile public campaigns or coalitions, particularly building alliances with business and community groups.
  • Public testimony and hearing experience, representing an organization in legislative committee rooms, agency workshops, or community town halls.
  • Advanced degree in Law (J.D.), Public Policy (MPP), Political Science, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience managing high-impact California legislative campaigns).

    • Travel Requirements:

  • Up to 20% for conferences and to Bay Area HQ.

    • US Remote Only: Please note that Waymo may not be able to employ remotely in all US locations. Please speak with your recruiter about your preferred location for remote work when you begin the interview process. This role will be located in Sacramento as a Remote role.

    The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.

    Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo’s discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.

    Salary Range$177,000—$218,000 USD
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