Policy & Government Affairs Specialist

## Company Overview

Zeno Power is the leading developer of nuclear batteries – compact power systems that provide reliable, clean energy in frontier environments. By harnessing the heat from radioisotopes, Zeno’s batteries power critical missions on Earth, in space, and at sea.

To bring this technology to market by 2027, Zeno is seeking out purpose-driven and innovative professionals who are comfortable working in a startup environment. Team members will have a direct impact in enabling commercial and national security missions from the depths of our oceans, to the surface of the moon, and in austere environments here on Earth.

Zeno is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated workforce. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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## Policy & Government Affairs Specialist, Defense

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Policy & Government Affairs Specialist, Defense to support Zeno’s Policy & Government Affairs team in advancing the development and commercialization of radioisotope power systems for U.S. national security missions. This position will focus on Zeno’s defense portfolio, including maritime, undersea, space, and austere-environment applications for the Pentagon, the military services, Congress, and related federal agencies.

The Policy & Government Affairs Specialist will support the execution of Zeno’s defense-focused government affairs strategy by tracking congressional and Pentagon developments, preparing stakeholder-facing materials, supporting federal engagement, and helping identify policy, programmatic, and funding pathways for radioisotope power systems. This role is ideal for someone who understands the defense policy ecosystem, is comfortable working across Congress and the Pentagon, and can translate technical information into material for policymakers, military stakeholders, and internal teams.

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## In this role you will:

– **Lead defense policy priorities** with Congress.
– **Support Pentagon engagement** and relevant federal agencies.
– **Track and analyze defense activity** including budget requests, committee reports, hearings, markups, amendments, and enacted legislation.
– **Draft and edit materials** such as one-pagers, memos, talking points, briefs, legislative language, report language, and presentations.
– **Monitor internal tracking** for Pentagon programs, policy developments, funding opportunities, and acquisition pathways related to radioisotope power systems, nuclear supply chains, and the nuclear industrial base.

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## Key Qualifications and Skills

– **Bachelor’s degree** in political science, international affairs, national security, public policy, energy policy, or a related field.
– **2+ years of relevant experience** in the military, Congress, the Pentagon, defense policy, government affairs, federal consulting, or defense innovation.
– **Familiarity with Congress** including the federal appropriations cycle and the National Defense Authorization Act.
– **Strong communication skills** with experience preparing concise materials for policymakers and senior leaders.
– **Ability to manage competing priorities** in a fast-paced environment.
– **Self-starter mindset** with discretion and good judgment.

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## Preferred Qualifications

– **Experience with military customers**, Pentagon programs, operational energy, defense acquisition, or emerging defense technology.
– **Experience supporting defense legislation** including appropriations, NDAA, Navy or Space Force programs, operational energy, advanced power systems, defense innovation, nuclear energy, or emerging technology policy.
– **Familiarity with Pentagon innovation pathways** including rapid capability development, prototyping, or fielding emerging technologies.

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## Job Functions

– **In-office presence** in Washington, D.C. (Mt. Vernon/Chinatown) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; remote optional on Mondays and Fridays.
– **Travel**: Less than 10%.
– **Motor abilities**: Sitting/standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control.
– **Physical exertion**: Minimal; ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
– **Repetitive work**: Prolonged.
– **Special senses**: Visual and audio-focused work.
– **Work conditions**: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard working environment >8 hrs/day.

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## Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary band for this position is **$95,000 – $125,000**. Final compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, certifications, and other business considerations.

In addition to competitive compensation, Zeno offers:

– **Stock options**
– **Flexible paid time off**
– **401k with employer match**
– **16 weeks paid family leave**
– **11 company holidays**
– **Employer HSA contributions**
– **Life insurance**
– **Transit benefits**
– **Medical, dental, vision insurance**
– **Relocation assistance**
– **Professional development**
– **Employee recognition program**
– **ClassPass benefit**
– **Company events**
– **Dog-friendly office**

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## Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here represent those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus. The noise level is usually moderate.

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## Note

This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees may be required to follow additional job-related instructions and perform other duties as assigned. All responsibilities are essential and may be modified to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. This document does not create an employment contract other than an “at will” relationship.

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## Export Control

Applicants must be a **U.S. Person**, defined as:
(i) a U.S. citizen or U.S. national; or
(ii) a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or a “protected individual” under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (refugee or asylee).

Apply here