Maritime Regulatory Specialist

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.

Maritime Regulatory Specialist

We are seeking a Maritime Regulatory Specialist to assist in achieving the strategic goals of Zeno’s regulatory program, including the deployment of a first-of-a-kind radioisotope power systems for operation in maritime environments. Reporting to the Director of Space & Planetary Regulation, this position will play a central role in Zeno’s regulatory program, shepherding the overall approval process and by paving the way in uncharted regulatory territories. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical and policy background in maritime, nuclear, and/or other regulated industries, and a motivation to help jumpstart the commercial maritime nuclear industry.

In this role you will:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of Zeno’s regulatory engagement strategy for maritime operations and regulatory approvals. Navigate stakeholder relationships with government and commercial partners.
• Identify licensing and permitting requirements for deploying radioisotope power systems in offshore waters including working with foreign regulatory bodies.
• Represent the company and maintain relationships at DOD (NAVSEA), NRC, NEMO, IMO, IAEA, maritime classification societies, and other technical and professional organizations.
• Act as a subject matter expert on maritime safety, regulations, and operations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Zeno’s internal policies and procedures to ensure the safe and compliant operation of radioisotope power systems in maritime environments.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to diverse stakeholders including regulators and commercial partners.
• Collaborate cross-functionally within Zeno and its contractors to provide regulatory guidance, support, and identify best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in technical, policy, or relevant field.
• Advanced degree or certification in related field.
• 10-15 years of relevant experience in regulatory compliance and risk assessment.
• Familiarity with relevant standards and regulations governing maritime operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present technical information to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience with stakeholder engagement and collaboration, particularly with U.S. Navy, government agencies, and regulatory bodies.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to get and hold security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with nuclear maritime operations, import/export regulations, and/or radioactive materials and radiation safety.
• Experience securing licenses or authorizations for first-of-a-kind technologies or other highly complex and highly regulated systems.

Job Functions

• Position requires in-office presence 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 $130,000-180,000. 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).