Radioisotope Licensing Principal

Company Overview

Zeno Power is the leading developer of nuclear batteries – compact power systems that provide reliable, clean energy in frontier environments. By harnessing the heat from radioisotopes, Zeno’s batteries power critical missions on Earth, in space, and at sea. To bring this technology to market by 2027, 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.

Radioisotope Licensing Principal

Zeno is seeking an experienced licensing professional to join and help lead the regulatory team as we license and deploy radioisotope power systems in novel terrestrial, maritime, and space applications. Reporting to the VP of Regulation, this individual will lead licensing efforts that enable Zeno’s research, development, demonstration, manufacturing, transportation, and distribution of our first-of-a-kind (FOAK) technology using byproduct radioactive material, pioneering a new fielding in the licensing and regulation of radioactive material.

In this role you will:

• Lead highly complex radioactive material licensing actions under 10 CFR Part 30 (or Agreement State equivalent regulations) including applications, amendments, renewals, and ongoing compliance.
• Lead engagement strategies and interactions with regulators and other stakeholders
• Evaluate, make recommendations to management, and implement proposed strategies for facility and project licensing
• Act as a subject matter expert in radioactive materials licensing
• Identify licensing milestones and risks, propose and management licensing budgets, and manage sub-contractors for licensing or safety related tasks
• Substantially contribute to the development and implementation of Zeno’s Radiation Protection Program
• Work cross-functionally with other Zeno teams to determine regulatory and radiological safety requirements for new and ongoing projects
• Support Part 30 and related nuclear licensing for maritime and space applications (including transportation matters) for commercial and government customers

Key Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. in a physical science, health physics, radiation protection or related field
• 10+ years of experience preparing or managing complex license applications for byproduct radioactive materials or advanced nuclear reactors or fuel cycle facilities (10 CFR Part 30, Part 70, or equivalent)
• Strong understanding of NRC/Agreement State regulatory framework for possession, use, transport, and security of byproduct radioactive material including radiation protection and 10 CFR Part 37 requirements
• Experience interacting directly with NRC or Agreement State regulators on complex licensing actions
• Strong written and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and lead complex projects with moderate supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high quality license applications, regulatory submissions, analytical reports, and communication to senior leadership
• Deep familiarity with navigating complex and novel regulatory environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in transportation or maritime licensing
• Advanced degree in physical science, health physics, radiation protection, law, or related field
• Certified Health Professional (CHP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or equivalent credential.
• Experience in the preparation and/or regulatory review of R&D, M&D, and/or other highly complex/high activity licenses strongly preferred
• Familiarity with Master Materials Licenses
• Working knowledge of sealed source fabrication, handling, and quality assurance processes.

Job Functions

• Position requires in-office presence in South Lake Union, Seattle, Washington 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 s