Director of Policy and Government Affairs

Director of Policy and Government Affairs

Radiant is an El Segundo, CA-based startup building the world’s first mass‑produced, portable nuclear microreactors. The company’s first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1‑megawatt failsafe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to five years without the need to refuel. Portable nuclear power with rapid deploy capability can replace similar‑sized diesel generators, and provide critical asset support for hospitals, data centers, remote sites, and military bases.

Radiant’s unique, practical approach to nuclear development utilizes modern software engineering to rapidly achieve safe, factory‑built microreactors that leverage existing, well‑qualified materials. Founded in 2020, Radiant is on track to test its first reactor next year at the Idaho National Laboratory, with initial customer deliveries beginning in 2028.

Radiant is seeking a Director of Government Affairs who enjoys the fast‑paced, creative environment of a startup and is passionate about the role of nuclear power in providing reliable zero‑carbon energy for small‑scale grids. The Director of Government Affairs position owns all Government Affairs activities and manages related consultants for Radiant at the federal and state levels.

At the Federal level:

• Develop meaningful relationships with policymakers at the legislative and executive branch levels, specifically with the Department of Energy (DOE)
• Develop and promote policy positions that benefit Radiant’s priorities
• Analyze and contribute to legislative proposals, and attend and analyze hearings
• Acquire adequate corporate knowledge of Radiant and the microreactor industry to facilitate discussions with key policymakers
• Monitor and influence appropriations process, including executive agencies, with a focus on creating funding opportunities
• Monitor and analyze federal budgets for executive agencies that affect Radiant
• Provide strategic summaries to Radiant’s CEO on a routine basis
• Work directly with nuclear energy NGOs and trade associations on policy and funding topics
• Support and attend industry‑related social events on behalf of Radiant
• Facilitate in‑person visits between Radiant leadership and federal stakeholders in the Washington, DC metro area as well as other locations
• Identify ideal engagement events (e.g., conferences, speaking opportunities) for Radiant leadership to reach key policymakers

At the State Level:

• Manage state consultants to develop strategies for lobbying in key states where Radiant has opportunities for siting a reactor or a future production facility
• Build relationships with state legislators, governor’s offices and departments, local government, prospective customers, and tribal communities on behalf of Radiant

• 5+ years of professional experience working on legislative matters for one or more of the following: a private company, an congressional office, a federal agency involved in nuclear energy
• Ability to travel and attend in‑person meetings
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends, as needed
• Ability to attend political and industry events on behalf of Radiant

• Direct experience with appropriations and budget planning and development
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills
• Advanced degree (MA, JD, PhD) in science, policy, or political science
• Experience working on issues directly related to the DOE
• Knowledge or work experience in nuclear technology
• Knowledge of U.S. federal contracting and acquisition practices
• Direct experience in achieving definitive legislative outcomes
• Passion for nuclear energy and/or microreactors, and the role of nuclear power in providing carbon‑free and continuous energy
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems, be self‑motivated, and start initiatives from scratch
• Demonstrated ability to forge coalitions and partnerships with other leaders in the nuclear industry
• Demonstrated ability to work with a technical team to take complex information and simplify it for non‑technical audiences
• Familiarity with and/or experience in western U.S. states, including but not limited to…