Do Epic Science

TAE is the world’s first private fusion energy company, founded in 1998 to commercialize the cleanest, safest, most affordable, and sustainable form of carbon-free power. We are applying science and engineering to design transformational technologies. Whether it's harnessing fusion through the science of stars, making exponential leaps in power efficiency, or innovating medical care with a novel cancer treatment: We're turning the promise of science into reality.

We’re looking for candidates who are passionate about realizing our mission: A future where all people have affordable access to reliable, abundant, and environmentally friendly fusion-generated electricity.

About the Role

The Senior Director of Federal Affairs will lead TAE Technologies’ federal government relations and public policy strategy across its fusion, power solutions, and life sciences businesses. The role is responsible for advancing legislative, regulatory, and programmatic outcomes that support TAE’s research, development, commercialization, and deployment activities. This executive will manage relationships with Congress and key federal agencies, and will advise senior leadership on federal policy. This role reports to TAE’s head of worldwide policy.

• Develop and implement a federal government affairs strategy.
• Build strong relationships with key leaders in Congress and at DOE, NRC, and other relevant agencies.
• Lead federal regulatory engagement, including analyzing proposed and final rules, identifying issues, and developing and executing strategies.
• Lead advocacy efforts with policymakers across the federal government.
• Monitor and anticipate federal policy and regulatory developments that may impact TAE’s interests.
• Develop and oversee a federal scientific research and grantmaking policy strategy.
• Build a network of supportive stakeholders that will advance TAE’s goals.
• Advise on policy communication strategy, represent TAE at public events, and craft high-level communications and thought leadership material.
• Represent TAE in industry associations.
• Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership on the implications and opportunities presented by current or anticipated policy developments.

About You

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a relevant discipline (JD, MPP, MBA) preferred.
• At least 10+ years of federal government and public policy experience.
• Proven leadership in shaping and executing federal advocacy strategies that delivered concrete outcomes in the technology, energy, or comparable highly technical sectors.
• Deep understanding of the federal legislative process, executive branch regulatory system, and key federal agencies influencing energy, science, and healthcare policy.
• Established and credible relationships on Capitol Hill, with federal regulators, and within influential policy forums.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific and technical concepts to a range of policy audiences and translate them into actionable advocacy priorities.

Preferred Skills

• Exceptional strategic thinker with the ability to navigate complex and evolving policy landscapes.
• Strong political judgment and situational awareness.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including briefing executives, drafting testimony, and engaging senior policymakers.
• Demonstrated ability to operate hands-on, both setting strategy and personally executing high-impact federal engagement.
• Commitment to the highest ethical and regulatory standards.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a relevant discipline (JD, MPP, MBA) preferred.

Role will be remote from company offices, in Washington DC. Some travel as required.

At TAE Technologies, we consider a wide range of factors when making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and job-related knowledge, training; licenses and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements depending on the position offered (non-Sr., Sr., Lead or Manager). Salary Range $175,000 to $225,000

Imagination, skill, and will

We are a diverse team of over 500 engineers, scientists, professionals, Maxwell Prize winners, and big thinkers from more than 40 countries with a track record of delivering on the innovative ways science can lead humanity into a brighter era. We are not afraid to envision a future where fusion and science can transform our world.

What you’ll get with us

• Generous benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (K) with company match, paid vacation + sick time, companywide December holiday, wellness program, parental leave
• Payment rewards: For referring talent, novel research, and patents
• A collaborative environment: An organization where talents and interests can plug into different groups throughout the organization
• Potential for equity participation
• HQ in Southern California
• Employee events on and off-site
• A commitment to upholding and growing an inclusive organization

Learn more
tae.com
Our podcast Good Clean Energy
Instagram
LinkedIn

TAE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We ensure all individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us recruiting@tae.com to request accommodations or request more information.

Note to Agencies: TAE prefers to hire directly and maintains an existing preferred supplier list. We do not accept speculative CVs or referrals from agencies. If speculative CVs are sent, no fee will be applicable.