State Engagement Manager

# About the Job

## About Radiant

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, fail‑safe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to 5 years without refueling. 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 leverages modern software engineering to rapidly deliver safe, factory‑built microreactors that use existing, well‑qualified materials. Founded in 2020, Radiant is on track to test its first reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory this summer, with initial customer deliveries beginning in 2028.

## About the Role

The State Engagement Manager owns state and local government engagement for a fast‑growing hard‑tech company operating at the intersection of aerospace, defense, and energy. This role is highly hands‑on and outcome‑driven, focused on shaping policy, enabling deployment, and unlocking sites where state and local decisions directly impact the company’s ability to build and operate.

You’ll work closely with internal technical, legal, and operations teams while representing the company externally with policymakers, regulators, and partners in priority states.

## Responsibilities & Duties

– **State and local engagement** — Build and execute state and local engagement strategies that directly support deployment, industrial development, and long‑term operations.
– **Policy influence** — Influence state legislation, regulations, rulemakings, and executive actions affecting industrial siting, permitting of power generation assets, grid interconnection, and critical infrastructure.
– **Regulatory engagement** — Lead company engagement with state regulators and public utility commissions; represent the company in hearings, meetings, and industry forums.
– **Lobbyist management** — Hire, manage, and coordinate external lobbyists and advisors in key states; set strategy and ensure alignment with company goals.
– **Site strategy** — Partner on site selection and site‑specific strategies for prospective and active locations, coordinating with state and local governments, economic development groups, and community stakeholders.
– **Cross‑functional collaboration** — Work cross‑functionally with engineering, legal, policy, communications, and operations teams to translate complex technical concepts into clear policy and regulatory positions.
– **Policy tracking** — Track and actively shape state‑level policy developments; provide crisp, actionable guidance to leadership.
– **Compliance** — Ensure compliance with state ethics, lobbying, and disclosure requirements.

## Required Qualifications & Skills

– **Government affairs experience** — 5+ years of experience in state government affairs, public policy, regulatory engagement, or related roles within energy, defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries.
– **Policy impact** — Proven ability to influence state‑level policy or regulatory outcomes, not just monitor them.
– **Legislative knowledge** — Strong understanding of state legislative processes, regulatory bodies, and permitting environments.
– **Adaptability** — Comfortable operating in ambiguity and fast‑moving environments with limited precedent.
– **Communication** — Clear, confident communicator who can work equally well with policymakers and engineers.

## Desired Qualifications & Skills

– **Government experience** — Experience working in or closely with state government, regulatory agencies, or governor’s offices.
– **Energy knowledge** — Familiarity with energy markets, grid integration, industrial permitting, or large‑scale infrastructure projects.
– **Deployment experience** — Experience supporting site selection, facility development, or first‑of‑a‑kind deployments.

## Additional Requirements

– **Extended hours** — Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish the mission.
– **Onsite presence** — 100% onsite in Washington, D.C. preferred, but flexible for the right candidate.

## Benefits and Perks

– **Stock incentives** — Substantial incentive stock plan for all full‑time employees.
– **Medical coverage** — 100% up to base silver level plan for employee + 50% dependents; options up to Platinum.
– **One Medical** — Sponsored memberships for employees and dependents.
– **Vision coverage** — 100% top‑tier plan + 50% for dependents.
– **Dental coverage** — 100% top‑tier plan; orthodontia extra; 50% for dependents.
– **Voluntary benefits** — Life, accident, hospital, critical illness, commuter, and FSA/HSA options.
– **Parental leave** — 8 weeks paid parental leave for all parents; additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees.
– **Meals** — Daily catered lunch; free snacks and drinks.
– **PTO** — Flexible PTO policy; remote workday allocation.
– **Culture** — Company and team‑bonding events, happy hours, and in‑person camaraderie.
– **Location** — Beautiful El Segundo headquarters close to the Pacific Ocean.

## Total Compensation and Benefits

Radiant compensates people for impact and invests in those who continue to raise the bar. The new‑hire compensation package includes base salary, substantial equity grants, and comprehensive health benefits.

Total compensation and level are determined through a rigorous evaluation of interview performance, experience, education, and qualifications, and are designed to support continued growth as scope, responsibility, and impact expand at Radiant.

The best of today’s advanced reactor builders don’t wait for job postings. They join the winning team. If that’s you, contact the company directly for immediate opportunities: [email protected].

## Equal Opportunity Statement

Radiant is an equal opportunity employer. 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.

Radiant is unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time.

This position involves access to technology subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to comply with U.S. export control requirements.

## Compensation Range

$123,000 – $173,250

Apply here