Zeno Power

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.  

Finance Lead

This role is responsible for leading the financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and financial reporting for Zeno. Success in this role requires a strong understanding of running a finance department within a start-up, preferably an early stage nuclear or aerospace start-up. Additionally, this role will require a deep understanding of how to develop, implement, and execute financial processes required for a project-oriented business, executing for both commercial and government customers. The Finance lead will work closely with the executive team to provide financial insights and support decision making.

  • Lead all financial planning and analysis, including the development of annual and quarterly budget, monthly and quarterly forecasts, and long-term financial projections
  • Manage outsourced accounting professionals, and ensure accurate and timely completion of the month-end and year-end close process, and the implementation and maintenance of a DCAA-compliant accounting system, and compliance with all relevant laws and regulations
  • Lead the overview of financial reports, including the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows
  • Work closely with the executive team to develop and implement financial strategies to support the growth and expansion of the business, and successful execution of critical current and future programs
  • Manage the company's banking and lending relationships and negotiate financing terms
  • Plan and execute in-house finance team growth to ensure the business has critical functions in-house to support the demands of rapid growth during project execution
  • Support the CEO and COO in fundraising efforts, including data room and pitch deck creation, investor pipeline development, and meeting with potential investors as needed

Key Qualifications and Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in finance or a related field
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in finance, with at least 2 years of experience leading finance at a hardware or deep-tech company with complex projects in execution
  • At least 2-3 years of start-up finance experience (Seed - Series B stages)
  • Understanding of DCAA-compliance is required, experience implementing and managing a DCAA-compliant accounting system is preferred
  • Deep familiarity and expertise with financial modeling in excel, comfort with owning and updating detailed operating models, ability to troubleshoot, etc.
  • Strong understanding of the technology hardware industry and its financial drivers
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively convey financial information to non-financial stakeholders
  • Advanced skills in financial planning and analysis, budgeting, and forecasting
  • Proficiency in financial reporting software (e.g. QuickBooks, NetSuite, Excel)
  • Strong leadership and team management skills
  • CPA or MBA preferred

Job Functions

  • 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
  • Travel: Travel is required, 10%-15%.
  • Location: Washington, D.C. or Seattle – in-office at least 3 days each week.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary band for candidates with the experience specified in this description is $140,000-$200,000. 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
  • Annual employee wellness reimbursement and office supply stipend
  • Health care reimbursement
  • Relocation assistance

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).