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Head of Federal at Mersenne Labs

Mersenne Labs - Head of Federal

Location: Flexible (preferably Washington, DC)

Travel: Up to 40–50%, including regular visits to government agencies, industry events, and partner sites

About Mersenne

Mersenne is designing compact, long-duration nuclear generators designed for radically autonomous, resilient energy. Our flagship product, STARFALL, is a high-efficiency, modular microreactor designed to deliver years uninterrupted power and laying the groundwork for our vision of decentralized energy for Earth and beyond.

Our go-to-market begins with the U.S. federal government, where resilient energy is mission-critical and regulatory frameworks are rapidly evolving to support next-gen nuclear. Incubated and self-funded by a founding team of serial entrepreneurs with deep expertise in software, hard tech, and nuclear engineering, Mersenne is at the forefront of a once-in-a-generation energy transition.

About The Role

We’re looking for an exceptional federal go-to-market leader — someone who can lead Mersenne’s entry into the public sector and architect our strategic relationships with DoD, DOE, NASA, and other key federal stakeholders. This is not a traditional sales role: it blends early-stage BD, federal strategy, partnerships, regulatory coordination, and policy intelligence.

As our first GTM hire, you’ll build and lead our federal engagement strategy, navigate complex regulatory and procurement pathways, and help position STARFALL as a category-defining energy technology.

What You’ll Do

  • Drive early federal traction: Own the development of BD pipelines with DoD, NASA, DOE, and other federal agencies
  • Lead proposals and contracting strategy: Shape responses to OTAs, SBIR/STTR, BAAs, and other acquisition vehicles for prototype technologies
  • Engage decision-makers and program leads: Build deep, trusted relationships across federal energy, defense, and R&D institutions
  • Coordinate internal + external stakeholders: Manage consultants, lobbyists, grant writers, and regulatory affairs teams as needed
  • Act as a market intelligence engine: Translate developments in nuclear regulation , federal energy policy, and agency budgets into strategic direction
  • Contribute to product-market fit: Work with technical teams to shape the STARFALL roadmap around real-world federal use cases
  • Be the face of Mersenne in DC and beyond: Represent us at key conferences, hearings, working groups, and white-paper collaborations

What We’re Looking For

  • 8+ years of federal BD experience in national security, defense tech, energy, or dual-use startups
  • Demonstrated success closing complex deals or securing multi-million-dollar contracts with federal agencies (P&L ownership)
  • Deep familiarity with federal acquisition paths, including OTAs, FAR, CRADAs, and prototype pathways
  • Experience working with or within agencies like DoD, DOE, NASA, DHS, or national labs
  • Comfort operating in pre-Series A or startup environments — wearing multiple hats, navigating ambiguity, and building systems from scratch
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to synthesize technical narratives into strategic, policy-aligned messages
  • Networked in the DC/federal energy ecosystem, or with stakeholders in defense innovation and nuclear regulatory reform

Bonus Points For

  • Background in nuclear energy, microreactors, or advanced energy systems
  • Experience working with or advising the National Labs, NRC, or legislative staff on energy-related policy
  • Familiarity with lunar and space-based energy initiatives (NASA, DARPA LunA-10, etc.)
  • Previous experience building early-stage GTM or federal programs at Anduril, Palantir, Oklo, Radiant, X-energy, Kairos, etc.
  • Public affairs or policy advisory experience, especially in energy resilience, climate tech, or national security
  • TS/SCI Eligible

Why Join Mersenne Now

The stars are aligned — nuclear is being re-embraced, regulatory pathways are opening, and private + public demand for resilient power is surging. This is your chance to help bring autonomous nuclear energy to Earth, the Moon, and Mars — not someday, but soon.

You’ll be joining at the ground floor of a company that intends to redefine the nuclear industry and unlock new frontiers of energy sovereignty.

Created at 2025-07-02 12:36:30

Updated at 2025-09-26 14:32:06

Location: Hybrid (Virginia, USA, Washington, DC)

About Mersenne Labs

About us

Mersenne is designing the world’s first “forever” generators, with a vision for a radically new form of long-lasting energy for Earth, space, and beyond — moving humanity away from constraints of grid electricity and fossil fuels. To achieve this goal, Mersenne is designing a mass-produced fleet of nano-scale nuclear reactors.

Team background

Mersenne is led by accomplished technologists and founders along with a core team of nuclear, material, and mechanical engineers with experience in micro-reactor design and construction from leading facilities. We are hiring for key leadership positions to accelerate engineering milestones and take Mersenne out of incubation. Additionally, we are building a team of regulatory experts and public sector specialists to capitalize on the opportunity in our shifting regulatory environment.

Benefits and perks

  • Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Flexible working hours and remote work options
  • Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
  • Professional development opportunities and continuing education support
  • Collaborative and inclusive work environment

Why you should work here

At Mersenne, you will have the opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking initiative that is set to transform the energy landscape. We value innovation, creativity, and a commitment to relentless excellence. By joining our team, you will work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry, contribute to meaningful projects, and help shape the future of energy.

Open Positions

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