Laboratory Operations Assistant

Company Overview

Zeno Power is the leading developer of nuclear batteries – compact power systems that provide reliable, clean energy in frontier environments. By harnessing the heat from radioisotopes, Zeno’s batteries power critical missions on Earth, in space, and at sea. To bring this technology to market by 2027, Zeno is seeking out purpose-driven and innovative professionals who are comfortable working in a startup environment. Team members will have a direct impact in enabling commercial and national security missions from the depths of our oceans, to the surface of the moon, and in austere environments here on Earth. Zeno is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Laboratory Operations Assistant

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Operations Assistant to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. This role plays a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of our laboratory operations. This role focuses on inventory management, equipment support, and safety compliance tasks. This position is ideal for someone detail-oriented, organized, and eager to support a fast-paced lab environment.

In this role you will:

• Maintain laboratory inventory, monitor stock levels, and reorder supplies to prevent shortages.
• Receive, inspect, and organize incoming laboratory materials and equipment while verifying accuracy against purchase orders and document properly.
• Coordinate and submit purchasing requests in accordance with established procurement processes.
• Support in route equipment verification, preventative maintenance, and calibration activities. 
• Conduct routine inspections of laboratory safety equipment and report deficiencies.
• Prepare and deliver shipment packages to carriers.
• Support lab cleanliness and compliance with internal SOPs and safety guidelines.
• Provide operational support during audits or inspections as needed.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a scientific or technical field preferred.
• 1+ years of experience in laboratory operations, inventory management, or a related technical environment 
• Prior experience with inventory management. 
• Prior experience in warehouse or lab operations is preferred.
• Familiarity with lab safety standards (chemical handling, PPE use) is a plus.
• Strong organizational and documentation abilities.
• Consistently follows established SOPs and maintains compliance standards.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications, including Microsoft Excel and inventory tracking systems.

Job Functions

• Position requires in-office presence in Seattle (South Lake Union) Monday-Friday, with the option to occasionally work from home on Mondays and Fridays with Manager approval 
• Travel: Travel is required, <10% 
• Motor Abilities: Sitting and/or standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)
• Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 15 pounds
• Repetitive work: Prolonged
• Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work
• Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hrs./day

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary band for this position is $65,000-$85,000 per year (Calculated hourly equivalent baseline: $31.25 - $40.87). The final job level and compensation will be determined by various factors such as a candidate's relevant work experience, years of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, certifications, and other business considerations.

This position is salaried non-exempt. While you will receive a fixed base salary, you are fully eligible for overtime compensation under Washington State law. Any hours worked over 40 in a single workweek will be compensated at 1.5 times your regular hourly rate.

In addition to competitive compensation, we also offer a generous benefits package, which includes:

• Stock options
• Flexible paid time off
• 401k plan with employer match
• 16 weeks of paid family leave
• ⁠11 observed company holidays
• Employer HSA contributions
• Life insurance
• Transit benefits to put toward commuting expenses
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Professional development
• Employee recognition program
• ⁠Company-sponsored ClassPass benefit to support employee wellness
• ⁠Dog friendly office 

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Export Control

Applicants for employment at Zeno Power must be a U.S. person. The term “U.S. Person” means (i) a U.S citizen or U.S. national; or (ii) any natural person who is a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e., holds a Green Card), as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or as a “protected individual” defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., admitted as a refugee or is granted asylum).