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.

Communications Manager

The Communications Manager will develop and execute a strategic communications plan to enhance Zeno Power’s visibility, credibility, and engagement with customers, partners, media, policymakers, and the public. This role requires a dynamic communicator with experience in technical industries, media relations, content creation, and brand storytelling.

In this role you will:

Develop and execute a strategic communications plan to position Zeno Power as a leader in commercializing nuclear batteries.
Manage media relations, including drafting press releases, pitching stories, and cultivating relationships with journalists in energy, defense, and aerospace sectors.
Craft compelling messaging for external audiences, including customers, policymakers, investors, and potential new hires.
Lead social media strategy and newsletter content to amplify Zeno Power’s mission and milestones.
Oversee the development of website content, blog posts, and thought leadership articles.
Monitor industry trends and public perception, providing strategic recommendations on messaging and outreach.
Support executive leadership with speechwriting, presentations, and key internal messaging.

Key Qualifications and Skills

5+ years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or related fields.
Proven ability to translate complex technical topics into clear, engaging narratives.
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with an eye for detail.
Experience managing media relations and working with journalists.
Familiarity with the energy, defense, space, or nuclear industries is a plus.
Proficiency in social media management and digital content creation.
Exceptional project management and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Communications experience at a startup, ideally in deep tech, energy, or aerospace.
Understanding of regulatory and policy communications in the energy sector.
Experience supporting executive communications and thought leadership initiatives.

Job Functions

Position requires in-office presence in Seattle (South Lake Union) or in Washington, D.C. (Mt. Vernon/Chinatown) 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 $125,000-155,000. 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).