State Engagement Director

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 Director 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 our 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: - Build and execute state and local engagement strategies that directly support deployment, industrial development, and long-term operations. - Influence state legislation, regulations, rulemakings, and executive actions affecting industrial siting, permitting of power generation assets, grid interconnection, and critical infrastructure. - Lead company engagement with state regulators and public utility commissions; represent the company in hearings, meetings, and industry forums. - Hire, manage, and coordinate external lobbyists and advisors in key states; set strategy and ensure alignment with company goals. - 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. - Work cross-functionally with engineering, legal, policy, communications, and operations teams to translate complex technical concepts into clear policy and regulatory positions. - Track and actively shape state-level policy developments; provide crisp, actionable guidance to leadership. - Ensure compliance with state ethics, lobbying, and disclosure requirements. Required Qualifications & Skills: - 5+ years of experience in state government affairs, public policy, regulatory engagement, or related roles within energy, defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries. - Proven ability to influence state-level policy or regulatory outcomes, not just monitor them. - Strong understanding of state legislative processes, regulatory bodies, and permitting environments. - Comfortable operating in ambiguity and fast-moving environments with limited precedent. - Clear, confident communicator who can work equally well with policymakers and engineers. Desired Qualifications & Skills: - Experience working in or closely with state government, regulatory agencies, or governor’s offices. - Familiarity with energy markets, grid integration, industrial permitting, or large-scale infrastructure projects. - Experience supporting site selection, facility development, or first-of-a-kind deployments. Additional Requirements: - Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish our mission. - 100% onsite in Washington, D.C. preferred, but flexible for the right candidate. BENEFITS AND PERKS - Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees. - Medical: 100% up to base silver level plan for employee + 50% dependents, offers up to Platinum plans. - One Medical: Sponsored m…