Materials & Chemistry Manager

Company Overview

Zeno Power’s (Zeno) mission is to provide clean, plug-and-play power anywhere in the universe. To do that, Zeno is developing a next-generation radioisotope power system (RPS) that generates carbon-free, resilient power for decades, utilizing material found in nuclear waste. Zeno’s technology is both light-weight and cost-effective compared to historic RPS, opening up broad market opportunities in space and terrestrially. To bring this breakthrough technology to market, 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.

Materials and Chemistry Manager

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Materials and Chemistry (M&C) Manager to support the engineering efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power System (RPS) technologies.

In This Role You Will

- Manage the technical team responsible for radiochemistry/chemistry development and chemical process engineering

- Lead a team responsible for the architecture, design, implementation, and testing of nuclear fuel and shielding systems, with hands-on involvement in a dynamic research and development environment

- Manage the technical execution of chemistry and fuel processing development, from lab scale scale to pilot plant sized nuclear fuel cycle unit operations and processes

- Supervise, identify, and continuously improve the development processes, tools, and expertise of the M&C team

- Ensure sound Engineering and research methodology is applied to the design of RPS systems as well as required fabrication and testing facility systems

- Lead planning efforts and review/approve M&C work products critical to Zeno design efforts

- Direct, develop, implement, and enforce design processes and tools to support RPS and facility design work

- Verify adherence of regulatory and code requirements for work products generated within the M&C team

- Monitor and ensure M&C activities for Zeno organizations meet performance and technical requirements through the design lifecycle

- Monitor and ensure M&C activities for Zeno suppliers, such as contractors, subcontractors, and National Labs, meet performance and technical requirements through the design lifecycle

- Provide technical expertise and support during the development and completion of design package components for key systems including calculations, reports, drawings, and design specifications generated within the M&C discipline

- Perform the role of main M&C point of contact responsible for coordination and planning of team work with project management, customers, and other stakeholders

- Oversee the employee life cycle including performance management and career development, training and allocating technical resources to program development

Key Qualifications And Skills

- B.S. or higher in relevant discipline (chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, etc.) from accredited university

- 6+ years of nuclear fuel and/or nuclear design development experience, including novel system development projects - 4+ years of demonstrated experience in leading direct reporting team members and/or indirect/matrixed program team members

- Demonstrated experience in nuclear fuel cycle chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering operations

- Demonstrated experience in chemistry development including development and execution of experimental plans

- Experience performing design activities under an AS9100 or similar quality standard (NQA-1, etc.)

- Must be a self-starter and possess the skills to manage M&C team supporting multiple design efforts

- Able to meet deadlines and perform under pressure in an uncertain environment

- Must have excellent written 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, 10-15%.

- 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

$175,000-195,000

. 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

- Employer HSA contributions

- Transit benefits to put toward commuting expenses

- Medical, dental, and vision insurance

- Relocation assistance

- 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).