California Legislative Director

Radiant Industries•El Segundo, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 California Legislative Director owns California and priority state 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, regulatory, legal, and operations teams while representing the company externally with policymakers, regulators, and partners in California and priority states.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in California 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 California 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.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in or closely with other 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.

Responsibilities

Work across a national footprint, focused initially on California and other key priority States for commercial deployment.
Develop and ensure the implementation of 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; set strategy and ensure alignment with company goals.
Work cross-functionally with engineering, regulatory, 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.

Benefits

Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees.
100% up to base silver level plan for employee + 50% dependents, offers up to Platinum plans.
Sponsored memberships for employees and their dependents.
100% top tier plan coverage + 50% for dependents.
100% top tier plan coverage, orthodontia extra, 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.