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.

Senior Material Scientist

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Senior Materials Scientist to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies.

In this role you will:

Lead R&D efforts in developing and characterizing advanced materials, including metals and ceramics and improving chemical products, processes, and materials.
Design and execute material testing plans using techniques such as SEM, XRD, DSC, tensile/compression testing, and corrosion studies.
Collaborate with cross functional teams to support material selection and qualification for Zeno's heat source designs.
Direct technicians and other workers in testing and analyzing components and the physical properties of materials
Prepare solutions, compounds, and reagents used in laboratory procedures
Write technical reports that detail methods and findings
Contribute to patent filings, technical publications, and internal knowledge sharing.
Support Zeno Power Systems' Safety Culture.

Key Qualifications and Skills

Bachelors Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
5+ years of industry or research related experience (Masters degree and 3+ years or Ph.D. and 1+ years of experience)
Strong understanding of structure-property-processing relationships
Strong background in corrosion studies, mechanical testing, and failure analysis
Knowledgeable on ceramic material processes, such as pelletization
Experience with design of experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis
Proficiency with materials characterization and analytical tools, such as XRD, SEM, DSC, etc.
Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects from concept to implementation
Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills
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.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with radiological effects on materials
Familiarity with ASME, ASTM, ISO, or MIL-STD material standards
Experience in material modeling/simulation is a plus

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: Frequent use of stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hrs./day, laboratory conditions

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary band for this position is $125,000-$160,000. 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).