Director of Engineering

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.

Director of Engineering

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated  Director of Engineering to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. This position will be the Organization Lead of the Engineering Department, and will report to the Chief Product Officer. This role will manage/coordinate current and future technical work associate with RPS related programs and maintain Zeno's state-of-the-art RPS technology and design capabilities. This role will have responsibility in technical performance of nuclear design and technology programs; maintaining highly qualified staff; ensuring that necessary resources are made available; managing Department level budgets; and building positive relationships with key stakeholder organizations

In this role you will:

• Ensure engineering and design activities lead to fulfilling existing and future orders, along with scaling-up manufacturing.
•    Perform the function of Design Authority, or authorize Design Authority delegation, across all Zeno Design Projects
•    Lead and grow an Engineering Team comprised of high quality staff and technical disciplines that include: Mechanical Analysis and Design (Thermal, Structural, Mechanical Design, Drafting), Fuel Design and Analysis (Radiochemists, Chemical/Process Engineers, Nuclear Engineers), and Systems 
• Collaborate with Project and Zeno Managers on current programs with a high level of both technical and business achievement
• Inspire the creation of new nuclear technologies and concepts; support funding opportunities to perform R&D work
• Support and/or lead technical proposals in response to new program opportunities
• Build working relationships with key personnel within customer and potential customer organizations
• Develop, improve, and implement engineering procedures, quality assurance policy, and other requirements within the Engineering Team
• Manage the development of technical/engineering work estimates, schedules, and deliverables, as well as tracking progress, in support of Zeno Project Managers
• Responsible for overall management of the Engineering Team to anticipate and resolve technical and programmatic problems
• Provide status and progress updates on technical execution to the Executive Team

Key Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. or higher in an engineering discipline from accredited university with >12 years experience AND >7 yrs experience in engineering management
• Demonstrate extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice as well as comprehensive project management and leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones
• Nuclear Design or Space Product Design experience highly preferred
• In-depth knowledge of first of a kind design life cycle, analysis methodologies, and regulatory implications on design is required
• Broad knowledge of multidisciplinary engineering fields including mechanical, thermal, structural, systems, nuclear, and chemistry 
• Effective communication, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with a proven track record of directing successful technical teams
• Can efficiently meet deadlines and perform under pressure in an uncertain environment

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, <20%
• Motor Abilities: Sitting and/or standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)
• Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal lifting, carrying and moving of materials weighing up to15 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 $215,000-250,000. 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
• Health care reimbursement
• 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).