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 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.  

Responsibilities & Duties 

At the Federal level: 

• Develop meaningful relationships with policymakers at the legislative and executive branch levels, specifically with the Department of Energy (DOE)
• Develop/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 

Required Qualifications & Skills  

• Bachelor’s degree 
• 5 years of professional experience working on legislative matters for one or more of the following: a private company, a 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 

Desired Qualifications & Skills 

• 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 nuclear industry  
• Demonstrated ability work with a technical team to take complex information and simplify it for non-technical audiences  
• Familiarity with and/or experience in western US states, including but not limited to Alaska, Idaho, and Utah  

Total Compensation and Benefits

Radiant's new hire compensation package includes base salary, substantial equity grants, and comprehensive benefits. Total compensation and level are determined through a holistic evaluation of your interview performance, experience, education, and qualifications. 

Benefits and Perks for Eligible Employees:

• Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees.
• Medical: 100% premium coverage for base Silver level plan for employee 50% premium coverage for dependents. Platinum plans available.
• One Medical: Sponsored memberships for eligible employees and their dependents.
• Vision: 100% premium coverage for top tier plan 50% for dependents.
• Dental: 100% premium coverage for top tier plan (including orthodontia) 50% for dependents.
• Voluntary life, accident, hospital, critical illness, commuter and FSA/HSA are offered as employee contributed benefits.
• 8-weeks of paid parental leave for all parents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees.
• Daily catered lunch. Free snacks and drinks.
• Flexible PTO policy. Remote workday allocation.
• Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and in-person camaraderie.
• Beautiful El Segundo headquarters close to the Pacific Ocean.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time.

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.