General Counsel

Job Description

Job Description

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space creating a never before seen fleet-scale approach to building nuclear reactors. Through its design-once, build-many approach and coalition building across communities, regulators, and financial stakeholders, The Nuclear Company is committed to delivering safe and reliable electricity at the lowest cost, while catalyzing the nuclear industry toward rapid development in America and globally.

About the role

The Nuclear Company is seeking a General Counsel who will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and be the company's chief legal strategist. You will lead the legal function from the ground up, partnering closely with the CEO and Board on corporate strategy, capital formation, and regulatory positioning. This is a rare opportunity to shape the legal infrastructure of a company at the frontier of the energy transition.

Responsibilities

Corporate & Venture Capital

• Lead all aspects of equity financings, from Series A through late-stage rounds and beyond, including term sheet negotiation, due diligence management, and closing

• Serve as primary legal counsel on M&A transactions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and licensing agreements

• Manage cap table, equity plan administration, and investor relations legal matters

• Advise the Board and executive team on fiduciary duties, corporate governance, and investor rights

• Own all commercial contracting, IP strategy, and vendor agreements

Government Affairs & Regulatory

• Develop and execute the company's government affairs strategy at the federal and state levels, including relationships with DOE, NRC, EPA, and relevant congressional committees

• Manage regulatory licensing processes and compliance obligations specific to nuclear energy development and deployment

• Build coalitions with trade associations, policy organizations, and strategic allies to advance favorable legislative and regulatory outcomes

• Advise leadership on policy developments, export controls (ITAR/EAR), national security considerations, and federal contracting opportunities (SBIR, DOE grants, loan guarantees)

• Lead engagement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and navigate the agency's licensing and permitting frameworks

Legal Operations

• Build and manage a lean, high-impact legal team; oversee outside counsel relationships and control legal spend

• Implement scalable legal processes and systems appropriate for a company preparing for significant growth

• Proactively identify and mitigate legal, regulatory, and reputational risks across the business

• Ensure compliance with securities laws, employment law, and all applicable regulations

Experience

• J.D. from an accredited law school; active bar membership in good standing

• 12+ years of legal experience, with meaningful time at both a top-tier law firm and an in-house role

• Deep expertise in venture capital transactions — you have led multiple financing rounds and can move quickly through complex deal dynamics

• Demonstrated experience in government affairs, regulatory strategy, or policy at the federal level, ideally in energy, defense, advanced manufacturing, or a similarly regulated industry

• Track record of operating as a senior business partner, not just a legal gatekeeper — you understand the balance between risk and speed

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex legal and regulatory issues for non-legal audiences

• Comfort with ambiguity and the pace of a startup; ability to build from zero

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages
• 401k with company match
• Medical, dental, vision plans
• Generous vacation policy, plus holidays

Estimated Starting Salary Range
The estimated starting salary range for this role is $263,000 - $296,000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a bi-weekly basis. The actual salary offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined in the Company's discretion, which may include experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications held, and other criteria deemed pertinent to the particular role.

EEO Statement
The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment of inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.

Export Control
Certain positions at The Nuclear Company may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law. Compliance with these export controls may result in The Nuclear Company limiting its consideration of certain applicants.

Recruiting Fraud Alert
Your safety is our priority. We want to ensure your job search stays secure. Please note that the team at The Nuclear Company only communicates through official @thenuclearcompany.com email addresses. We will never ask for payments or sensitive financial information at any stage of our recruitment process. For your peace of mind, please verify all openings and submit your applications directly through our official careers page .