Chemical Engineer

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.

Chemical Engineer

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Chemical Engineer to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. The Chemical Engineer will be reporting to the Materials and Chemistry Manager.

In this role you will:

• Lead and/or support the design of systems for all aspects of the radiochemical separation, purification, synthesis and pelletization of fuels for RPS. This includes designing systems to handle highly radioactive and corrosive materials in a remotely operated environment.
• Interface and coordinate experiments with a diverse team of scientists and engineers, including implementing test requirements and plans that aid in system design.
• Develop, review and maintain documentation to support system design, including design requirements, PFD, P&ID, heat, energy and material balances, process narratives, specifications, installation and commissioning plans.
• Support the integration of systems through design, commissioning and production.
• Troubleshoot, modify and maintain systems designed and implemented.
• Ensure sound engineering methodology (requirements management, interface control) is applied to the design of RPS as well as required fabrication and testing facility systems.
• Assist with facility design and modifications to support fuel processing.
• Provide technical oversight of subcontracted partners to ensure proper integration and performance of vendor deliverables.
• Analyze test and literature data to generate reports documenting important design aspects.
• Lead presentations related to design and analysis results during design and project reviews.
• Communicate effectively across a diverse and multidisciplinary team.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. or higher in Chemical Engineering or equivalent from accredited university and 7+ years relevant experience in chemical or chemical process engineering.
• Experience designing systems for radiochemical handling and manipulation in a hot cell environment is highly desired.
• Experience working with, designing, and implementing processes for powders, slurries, liquids, and gases.
• Strong and creative analytical and problem solving skills.
• Experience designing and implementing processes for hazardous chemical systems involving high temperatures, high pressures, or the use of radioactive, corrosive, toxic, or flammable/pyrophoric materials.
• Demonstrated experience with process/system design, including development of P&IDs, PFDs, 3D design, fluids design, heat and energy balances, sequence of operation/controls design, commissioning, etc.
• Experience in writing specifications and procurement documentation for relevant components is highly desired.
• Experience performing activities under an NQA-1, AS 9100D, ISO 9001, or similar quality standard.
• Candidate must be a self-starter and possess ability to coordinate and lead a design team’s effort with minimal direction.
• Capable of meeting deadlines and performing under pressure in uncertain environments.
• Demonstrated effectiveness when working independently or collaboratively.
• 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.
  • Monday/ Friday – While remote work is generally optional in our hybrid environment, occasional in-office lab work may be required on these days to support ongoing project needs.
• 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 $140,000-$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
• 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).