Head of Federal Government Affairs

Location

Washington, DC

Employment Type

Full time

Department

Legal

Compensation

$200K – $250K • Offers Equity

About Pacific Fusion

Pacific Fusion was founded in 2023 with the mission to power the world with abundant, affordable, clean energy.

We are rapidly designing and building a pulser-driven inertial fusion system to achieve net facility gain (more fusion energy output than stored energy input). In parallel, we are developing the key components required to build affordable fusion systems.

Our plans are ambitious. We have raised over $900M so far from incredible investors, resourcing us to deliver on these plans. We are bringing together the best scientists, engineers, and operators from the fusion community, hard tech industry, and other sectors. We are united by a shared sense of urgency to provide clean power for the world, particularly managing climate change while meeting growing global energy demand.

About the Role

Pacific Fusion is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as Head of Federal Government Affairs, responsible for shaping and advancing our policy agenda at the highest levels of government. In this pivotal role, you will engage directly with Congressional and Administration leaders, federal agencies, and other key partners to drive legislative and regulatory outcomes that support fusion energy innovation. You’ll build and execute comprehensive engagement strategies, and craft high-impact policy materials—ranging from white papers to bill text.

And as a key ambassador for Pacific Fusion, you'll collaborate cross-functionally with our technical, business, and communications teams to clearly articulate our groundbreaking approach. This is an opportunity to play a central role in accelerating the future of clean energy through meaningful public policy impact.

What you’ll do:

- Directly engage with US Government (USG) and Congressional staff and Members to impact policy

- Build our engagement plans and refine our federal and global policy strategies

- Manage external government relations support

- Learn and communicate technical aspects of Pacific Fusion’s approach to the commercialization of fusion energy

- Create substantial policy and communications content that may include policy summaries, white papers, presentations, bill text and comments to agencies

- Engage and build partnerships with key NGOs that impact US and global policy

- Coordinate and/or host Hill briefers, NGO events, and other activities

- Represent Pacific Fusion at fusion trade groups and in discussions with peer companies on policy topics

- Work closely with the communications, business, and technical teams within the company

What you’re good at:

- You’re an excellent, low-fluff writer.

- You’re hyper-organized, detail-oriented, and have project management in your DNA

- You’re a doer, who also prioritizes communicating internally to bring the business along

- You’re excited to and are capable of becoming familiar in detail and communicating the technical case behind fusion and our approach

- You have grit to drive forward in the face of difficult challenges

- You’re a creative thinker and problem solver

What you’ve done:

- At least 10+ years in Congress, the Administration, in a policymaking and execution capacity

- Substantial experience with key energy actors, such as the Department of Energy, Senate Natural Resources and Environmental and Public Works Committees, House Energy and Commerce Committee

- Demonstrated experience getting legislation or executive action passed

- Demonstrated public speaking abilities and writing skills and experience

Preferred but not required:

- Ability and experience in writing legislation and providing comments to agencies

- Experience as a government relations consultant at a major firm

- Experience supporting appropriations

- Direct substantial experience working in or with the Department of Energy

- Experience in nuclear or environmental regulation or legislation

Benefits:

- Industry-competitive salary

- Equity plan

- 6% employer 401k matching

- Generous paid time off (including sick leave, vacation, paid family leave)

- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Actual base salary offered will be determined by: experience, skills, and work location. This range is for base salary, our total compensation includes equity and benefits. We welcome you to apply even if your expectations are outside our listed range.

Pacific Fusion is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Pacific Fusion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures and throughout employment. If you need assistance or any accommodation, please let us know.

Pacific Fusion does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies without a fully executed recruitment agreement in place. In the absence of such agreement, Pacific Fusion reserves the right to pursue and hire any candidates without an obligation to pay fees. Agencies are requested not to contact Pacific Fusion hiring managers or employees regarding recruiting services.