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 Director of State Affairs will lead TAE Technologies’ state-level government relations and public policy strategy, with a primary focus on enabling the siting, permitting, and successful deployment of TAE’s first commercial fusion pilot plant and ensuring the company’s ability to scale. This role is responsible for navigating state regulatory frameworks for fusion energy, advancing supportive legislative and executive actions, and building durable relationships with state policymakers, regulators, and local stakeholders. The Director will also play a central role in community engagement and public-sector coordination around priority project sites.

• Develop and execute TAE’s state government affairs strategy for priority states.
• Lead engagement with state legislatures, governors’ offices, and state regulatory agencies to support fusion energy, energy storage, and life sciences.
• Manage the company’s compliance with state fusion regulatory frameworks, including siting, permitting, and environmental review.
• Lead community and local government engagement around priority project site(s).
• Build and maintain a network of grassroots and community stakeholders to support TAE’s state and local objectives.
• Monitor and assess state policy, legislative, and regulatory developments affecting TAE across all states.
• Select and manage consultants, when needed.
• Advise senior leadership on state-level risks, opportunities, and stakeholder dynamics.

About You

• At least 7 years of government or private public policy experience.
• Proven ability to proactively enact state legislative change, work with Governor’s offices on major infrastructure projects, and/or navigate complex state permitting processes in energy, technology, or comparable highly-technical sectors.
• Strong understanding of state legislative processes, executive branch operations, and state regulatory agencies, particularly in energy, environmental, or utility policy.
• Experience engaging with local governments and community stakeholders on sensitive or high-profile projects.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific/technical concepts to a range of policy audiences and translate them into actionable advocacy priorities.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to operate as a hands-on policy leader who both develops strategy and personally executes state-level engagement.
• Comfort working in ambiguous or first-of-a-kind regulatory environments, including emerging technology contexts.
• Strong judgment and political instincts in navigating diverse state and local political environments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including drafting legislative language, briefing policymakers, and engaging community audiences.
• Track record of building trust-based relationships with policymakers, regulators, and community stakeholders.
• Commitment to the highest ethical and regulatory standards.

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

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 $150,000 to $200,000

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 in to 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.