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.

Systems Engineering Manager

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Systems Engineering Manager to support the engineering efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power System (RPS) technologies. In this role you will:

  • Lead a team responsible for developing, decomposing, and managing requirements and verification activities, support the system safety process, and guide day-to-day technical decision making, peer reviews, and gated reviews for the design projects
  • Work with Systems Engineers and other teams to establish technical standards and develop process expectations inclusive of sharing standard methodologies and lessons learned across Zeno design efforts
  • Manage, identify, and continuously improve the development processes, tools, and expertise of the Systems Engineering team
  • Lead and coordinate efforts across diverse product design, fabrication, and testing teams to develop required design and interface documentation
  • Ensure sound Systems Engineering methodology is applied to the design of RPS systems as well as required fabrication and testing facility systems by leading planning efforts and reviewing/approving Systems Engineering work products critical to Zeno design efforts
  • Manage, develop, implement, and enforce design processes and tools to support RPS and facility design work, to include tracking and managing design documentation, requirements, and open items
  • Manage integration of design processes across contractors, engineering functions, and design teams to include design control, design change control, and consistent application of design tools
  • Verify adherence of regulatory and code requirements for work products generated within the Systems Engineering team
  • Responsible for monitoring and ensuring design team within Zeno organizations meet performance and technical requirements through the design lifecycle
  • Responsible for monitoring and ensuring System Engineering 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 Systems Engineering discipline
  • Perform the role of main Systems Discipline point of contact responsible for coordination and planning of systems work with project management, customers, and other stakeholders
  • As part of a diverse and hardworking team of specialists, you will be responsible for the employee life cycle including performance management and career development, training, and allocating engineering resources to program development

Key Qualifications and Skills

  • B.S. or higher in relevant engineering discipline from accredited university
  • 6+ years of Systems Engineering experience, including complex system development projects within the aerospace, nuclear, or similar safety critical industry
  • 4+ years of demonstrated experience in leading direct reporting team members and indirect/matrixed program team members
  • Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing Systems Engineering design approach in an aerospace or nuclear regulatory environment
  • Experience in implementing integrated design of nuclear systems, extreme temperature environments, and radioactive systems desired
  • Strong understanding of configuration management principles, as well as knowledge of design control tools
  • Experience performing design activities under an AS9100 or similar quality standard (NQA-1, etc.)
  • Candidate must be a self-starter and possess ability to manage Systems Engineering team supporting multiple design efforts
  • Ability 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 $170,000-210,000. 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
  • Transit benefits to put toward commuting expenses
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 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).