Director of Commercial Development

Director of Commercial DevelopmentAbout Zap EnergyZap is advancing the next generation of nuclear power technology across fusion, fission and hybrid applications. Built on an integrated platform of high-energy-density physics and pulsed power, liquid metals and advanced materials, and compact, modular systems, Zap is building the foundational technologies needed to deploy the energy sources of the future.As Zap Energy advances the commercialization of its integrated fission and fusion platform, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Commercial Development to build strategic customer relationships that will shape the company's long-term growth. This is a high-impact role with responsibility for originating, structuring, negotiating, and executing complex commercial agreements with hyperscalers, industrial customers, utilities, government organizations, and other energy-intensive enterprises. Working at the intersection of advanced nuclear technology and large-scale infrastructure development, you will translate Zap's technical capabilities and commercialization roadmap into bankable commercial frameworks, including power purchase agreements (PPAs), capacity agreements, development partnerships, and other long-term strategic commercial arrangements. Initially an individual contributor, this role offers the opportunity to build and lead a commercial development organization as the company scales, making it an ideal position for a strategic dealmaker who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and wants to help define the future of advanced nuclear energy.Key Responsibilities Commercial Deal Development & OriginationLead the origination, structuring, negotiation, and execution of complex commercial agreements—including power purchase agreements (PPAs), capacity reservations, development agreements, strategic partnerships, and other long-term commercial arrangements.Build, manage, and advance a robust pipeline of strategic commercial opportunities supporting the deployment of Zap Energy's integrated fission and fusion product portfolio.Develop innovative commercial structures that align customer needs with Zap's technology roadmap, enabling phased deployment strategies, long-term energy partnerships, and future technology transitions as the company's product offerings evolve.Partner closely with engineering, project development, finance, legal, and executive leadership to develop commercially attractive, technically viable, and executable agreements that support successful project development and long-term customer relationships.Lead complex commercial negotiations from initial customer engagement through contract execution, balancing customer objectives with Zap's strategic, technical, financial, and operational priorities. Strategic Customer RelationshipsBuild, cultivate, and manage executive relationships with key customers, serving as a trusted advisor throughout the commercial engagement process.Own strategic customer relationships from initial engagement through commercial negotiation, contract execution, and transition to project development, ensuring alignment across technical, commercial, and executive stakeholders.Develop a deep understanding of customer business strategies, energy demand growth, infrastructure investment plans, procurement processes, and decarbonization objectives to identify opportunities where Zap Energy's integrated fission and fusion platform provides differentiated value.Represent Zap Energy with customers, strategic partners, investors, and at industry conferences and executive forums, strengthening the company's reputation as a leading provider of advanced nuclear energy solutions.Collaborate closely with executive leadership to identify, prioritize, and pursue strategic commercial opportunities that accelerate market adoption and long-term growth. Market Development & Commercial StrategyHelp define and execute Zap Energy's commercial strategy, including market prioritization,...