State Engagement Manager

Radiant•El Segundo, CA

2d•$123,000 - $236,250•Onsite

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 failsafe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to five years without the need to refuel. 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 utilizes modern software engineering to rapidly achieve safe, factory-built microreactors that leverage existing, well-qualified materials. Founded in 2020, Radiant is on track to test its first reactor next year at the Idaho National Laboratory, with initial customer deliveries beginning in 2028. 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 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.

Requirements

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.
Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish our mission.
Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Benefits

Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees.
Medical: 100% premium coverage for base Silver level plan for employee + 50% premium coverage for dependents. Platinum plans available.
One Medical: Sponsored memberships for eligible employees and their dependents.
Vision: 100% premium coverage for top tier plan + 50% for dependents.
Dental: 100% premium coverage for top tier plan (including orthodontia) + 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.
Burgeoning satellite offices in Oak Ridge, TN and Washington, D.C., near Capitol Hill.