Thermal Analysis 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.

Thermal Analysis Engineer

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

• Perform thermal analyses using advanced CAD/CAE software to support RPS, sub components, and system interfaces 
• Perform thermal analyses starting from initial high-level analysis down to defining criterion for validation of performance with testing and qualification data 
• Use first principles to help guide design of components, sub assemblies, and interfaces 
• Pursue performance/robustness improvements 
• Review peer and vendor work 
• Write proposals, technical reports and papers 
• Provide results to project teams that satisfy quality, cost, timing, and other project specifications 
• Prepare and give oral presentations to internal and external stakeholders, and at technical conferences 
• Participate in the engineering group by providing suggestions and recommendations on various thermal problems 

Key Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) with 3+ years of thermal analysis experience, M.S degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) with 3+ years of thermal analysis experience 
• Experience with Thermal Desktop or ANSYS Workbench (preferred) 
• Experience with 3D and reduced order thermal modeling 
• Ability to identify sizing cases and quickly evaluate the impact of design decisions 
• Familiar with Atlassian confluence/JIRA workflows 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Experience in research and development activities involving nuclear reactors or radioisotopes power systems is desired 
• Experience with thermal analysis in the context of space applications is desired 
• Experience working under an AS9100 (or similar) quality program is desired 
• Able to meet deadlines and perform under pressure in an uncertain environment 
• Clearly demonstrate the ability to work either independently or as part of a team 

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: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hrs./day

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary band for this position is $90,000-160,000. 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
• Annual employee wellness reimbursement and office supply stipend
• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• 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).