Policy & Government Affairs Specialist

Zeno Power•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Zeno Power 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.

Requirements

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. Years of experience may be adjusted for candidates with advanced degrees or experience.
Familiarity with Congress, including the federal appropriations cycle and the National Defense Authorization Act.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing concise materials for policymakers, Pentagon officials, military stakeholders, and senior leaders.
Experience managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment with shifting deadlines and evolving policy dynamics.
Must be a self-starter who can exercise discretion and good judgment with external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with military customers, Pentagon programs, operational energy needs, defense acquisition, or emerging defense technology.
Experience supporting defense appropriations, the National Defense Authorization Act, Navy programs, Space Force programs, operational energy, advanced power systems, defense innovation, nuclear energy, or emerging technology policy.
Familiarity with Pentagon innovation and transition pathways, including programs or offices focused on operational energy, rapid capability development, prototyping, or fielding emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

Lead Zeno’s defense-focused policy and government affairs priorities with Congress.
Support engagement with Pentagon stakeholders and relevant federal agencies.
Track and analyze defense authorization and defense appropriations activity, including budget requests, committee reports, hearings, markups, amendments, and enacted legislation.
Draft and edit materials for internal and external audiences, including one-pagers, memos, talking points, meeting briefs, legislative language, report language, and presentations.
Monitor and maintain internal tracking for Pentagon programs, policy developments, funding opportunities, and acquisition pathways relevant to radioisotope power systems, nuclear supply chains, and the nuclear industrial base.