[Hiring] California State Policy Manager @Waymo

Role Description

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 the SF Bay Area and will be based in either the SF or Mountain View offices and reports to the Regional Head of the West.

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Salary Range

• $177,000 — $218,000 USD

Benefits

• 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.