Scientist

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.

Scientist

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Scientist  to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies.

In this role you will:

• Support chemistry development of radioisotope power source (RPS) fuel forms from R&D to production stages
• Execute fuel development work, including synthesis, purifications, pelletization, and characterization of RPS fuel forms
• Perform testing and analysis on existing compounds to capture properties, characteristics, and compatibility with new or existing RPS systems and technologies
• Prepare, issue, and present on relevant experimental process, results, and conclusions 
• Prepare samples for analysis using analytical instrumentation 
• Plan, perform, and oversee a broad range of experiments from research to quality-controlled process execution
• Assist with documenting experimental procedures, hazards assessments, and results
• Support Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) to ensure a safe working environment
• Assist with instrument and equipment maintenance and calibration
• Support Zeno Power's Nuclear Safety Culture

Key Qualifications and Skills

• PhD in Chemistry or B.S. in Chemistry with 4+ years of relevant industry experience
• Strong inorganic chemistry experience desired
• Hands-on experience in disciplines related to analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and materials science
• Ability to follow and develop laboratory safety protocols
• Operates with a high degree of trust and integrity, communicates openly, displays respect and a desire to foster teamwork
• Experience working in glovebox and/or hot cell environments is desired  
• Candidate must be a self-starter and possess ability to coordinate and lead laboratory efforts with minimal direction
• Can meet deadlines and perform under pressure in an uncertain environment 
• Must clearly demonstrate the ability to work either independently or as part of a team
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Eagerness to learn

Job Functions

• Position requires in-office presence in Seattle (South Lake Union) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
  • Remote work is generally optional on Mondays and Friday in our hybrid environment, but this role may require in-office lab work on these days to support ongoing project needs.
• Travel: Travel may be required, <10%
• Motor Abilities: Sitting/standing for extended periods, gripping, fine motor control (hands)
• Physical requirements: Ability to safely lift up to 15 pounds
• Special Senses: Visual and audio
• Work Conditions: Typing, standing/sitting working environment of >8 hr/day

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary band for this position is $90,000 - $125,000. 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.

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).