Senior/Principal Systems Engineer

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.

Systems Engineer

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Senior Systems Engineer to support the engineering efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power System (RPS) technologies. This role will report to the Engineering Manager, Systems Engineering. 

In this role you will:

• Develop and manage system, subsystem, and component requirements.
• Create and manage system artifacts such as Concepts of Operations (ConOps), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and additional design specification documents.
• Develop, implement, and enforce design processes and tools to support system design work, to include tracking and managing design documentation, requirements, and open items.
• Ensure sound Systems Engineering methodology is applied to the design of RPS systems, test equipment, tooling, and integrated systems.
• Track requirements to closure through verification planning and execution.
• Create integration and test plans to track hardware from procurement through acceptance.
• Coordinate fabrication, integration, and testing teams while collaborating with Project Managers (PM) and maintaining clear communication with external subcontractors to advance project goals.
• Engage with Regulatory team to incorporate adherence to regulatory and code requirements through the design process and operations planning.
• Assist PM in schedule planning and technical activity development, as well as ensuring adherence to timelines.
• Perform trade studies to objectively select concepts throughout the project lifecycle.
• Align engineering and project personnel to identify and develop design information and specify system design and performance criteria.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. or higher in relevant engineering discipline from accredited university, 7+ years relevant experience to system design and integration skills.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing Systems Engineering design approach, preferably in an aerospace, maritime, or nuclear regulatory environment.
• Experience in implementing integrated design of nuclear systems, extreme temperature environments, and radiological systems desired.
• Understanding of configuration management principles, as well as knowledge of design control tools.
• Experience performing activities under a quality standard (such as NQA-1, AS9100, or similar).
• Demonstrated success in coordinating work effectively with internal and external stakeholders..
• Proactive approach to coordinating and contributing to design effort with minimal guidance.
• Proven ability to perform effectively under pressure and deliver in complex, evolving environments.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Must have excellent technical writing and oral communication skills.

Job Functions

• Position requires in-office presence in Seattle (South Lake Union) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, remote work is optional on Mondays and Fridays
• 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 $145,000 - $185,000. 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).