State Engagement Manager

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 refueling. Portable nuclear power with rapid deployment capability can replace similar‑sized diesel generators, and provide critical asset support for hospitals, data centers, remote sites, and military bases.

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 highly hands‑on, outcome‑driven role focuses 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.

• Build and execute state and local engagement strategies that directly support deployment, industrial development, and long‑term operations.
• Influence state legislation, regulations, rule makings, 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

$123,000 – $236,250 USD

Radiant compensates people for impact and invests in those who continue to raise the bar. Radiant’s 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.

• Stock:
  Substantial incentive stock plan for all full‑time employees.
• Medical: 100% premium coverage for base Silver level plan for…