Senior/Principal Hardware Development 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.

Hardware Development Engineer

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Hardware Development Engineer to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. The Hardware Development Engineer will report to the Mechanical Engineering Manager.

In this role you will:

• Work closely with a team of engineers to support the design, testing, and manufacturing of electrical components supporting each project.
• Interface with the mechanical, structural, thermal, and nuclear teams to implement and optimize designs based on system requirements.
• Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of complex control systems in both R&D and production settings.
• Create and manage power and data budgets across projects.
• Review designs for control systems, power distribution, power conversion, battery systems, and data communication.
• Design test racks including data acquisition systems, power supply, communications, sensors, and grounding schemes.
• Develop and review documentation relating to electrical subsystems including Specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Bill of Materials (BOMs), Test Plans & Procedures, and Test Reports.
• Support Project Supplier work through SME review of supplier designs, fabrication activities, and testing.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent from accredited university plus 7+ years of relevant experience or Master's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Proficient with controls, electrical diagram, and harness design programs (LTspice, Altium, Labview, Solidworks, or similar).
• Proficient in the use of standard electronic lab test equipment (oscilloscopes, DMMs, power meters, data acquisition cards, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to work with hardware, including tasks such as soldering, assembling wiring harnesses, and constructing test racks.
• Familiarity with communication protocols common in aerospace applications and extreme environments.
• Familiarity with environmental tests as they affect electrical components (EMI/EMC, vibration, thermal vacuum, etc.).
• Experience performing activities under a quality standard (such as NQA-1, AS 9100, or similar).
• Experience with PLC hardware and software environments is preferred.
• Experience in the aerospace and/or nuclear industry is desired.
• Candidate must be a self-starter and possess required skills to coordinate and contribute to design effort with minimal direction.
• Can meet deadlines and perform under pressure in an uncertain environment.
• Capable of working independently or as part of a team, with clear communication and collaboration skills.
• 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%
• 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
• Employer HSA contributions
• Transit benefits to put toward commuting expenses
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Dedicated dog friendly spaces in 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).