Chemical Process Engineer

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.

Chemical Process Engineer

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Chemical Process Engineer to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. The Chemical Process Engineer will be reporting to the Materials and Chemistry Manager.

In this role you will:

• Interface and coordinate experiment and process activities with a diverse team of scientists and engineers.
• Lead the development and coordination of chemical processes and systems that support current and future RPS program objectives, including fuel synthesis, fuel fabrication, and advancement of future fuel development initiatives.
• Ensure sound Systems Engineering methodology (requirements management, interface control) is applied to the design of RPS systems as well as required fabrication and testing facility systems.
• Manage technical, project, , R&D inputs and requirements to develop and produce experimental design and process solutions.
• Develop and implement test requirements and plans for fuel processing, fabrication, and interface system phenomena at bench-top through pilot scale, collaborating with responsible parties during execution.
• Generate system process work packages.
• Support schedule and technical activity planning while ensuring adherence across technical teams.
• Provide oversight and interface with subcontracted partners to ensure proper performance and integration of vendor work scopes.
• Analyze test and process data to generate reports to document important design knowledge during innovative process development cycles.
• Lead presentations related to design and analysis results during design and project reviews.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. or higher in Chemical Engineering or equivalent from accredited university, 7+ years relevant experience in chemical or chemical process engineering.
• Demonstrated experience with process/system design, including development of P&IDs, PFDs, 3D design, fluids design, heat and energy balances, sequence of operation/controls design, commissioning, etc.
• Experience working in glovebox and/or hot cell environments with radioactive materials is desired.
• Experience in writing specifications and procurement documentation for relevant components is highly desired.
• Strong and creative analytical and problem solving skills.
• Experience designing and implementing processes for hazardous chemical systems involving high temperatures, high pressures, or the use of radioactive, corrosive, toxic, or flammable materials.
• Experience working with, designing, and implementing processes for powders, slurries, liquids, and gases.
• RPS experience preferred.
• Experience performing activities under an NQA-1, AS 9100D, ISO 9001, or similar quality standard.
• Candidate must be a self-starter and possess ability to coordinate and lead a design team's effort with minimal direction.
• Capable of meeting deadlines and performing under pressure in uncertain environments.
• Demonstrated effectiveness when working independently or collaboratively.
• 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.
  • Monday/ Friday - While remote work is generally optional in our hybrid environment, occasional in-office lab work may be required on these days to support ongoing project needs.
• 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 $140,000-$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
• 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).