Satellite, space, weapons, and nuclear facility applications require device performance in various radiation environments. Two approaches are being explored for maintaining device functionality upon radiation exposure: a) developing light weight polymeric composites to shield the device from exposure, and b) designing polymeric materials with intrinsic radiation tolerance. In the first approach, high Z-filled polymer composites are being developed to shield sensitive components from exposure including proton, electron, X-ray, gamma-ray, and electromagnetic / radio frequency environments. The materials physics of radiation shielding is well understood. However, a major challenge is developing processing strategies to manufacture the composite materials while avoiding particulate settling and agglomeration. The processing strategies must be robust and flexible to accommodate the fact that effective shielding in the different radiation environments can require particulate loading ranging from 1 to 50 volume percent. In order to maximize weight savings, techniques are being pursued to develop conformal coatings to “spot” shield sensitive components. For the second approach, incorporating small molecule dopants that “trap” the electrons or holes generated during radiation exposure can be utilized to design intrinsically radiation tolerant polymers. Research is ongoing regarding the impact of dopant chemistry and concentration on the resulting radiation induced material conductivity. In addition, processing strategies are being developed to incorporate dopants in polymeric films to support future production needs. The techniques developed here are viable for other composite applications including improving thermal and electrical conductivity in the composites for thermal management and 3-D packaging.