Senior/Principal Radiochemist

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.

Senior Radiochemist

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Senior Radiochemist to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies.

In this role you will:

• Support chemistry development of radioisotope power source (RPS) fuel forms from R&D to production stages.
• Propose and execute fuel development work, including synthesis, pelletization, and characterization of RPS fuel forms.
• Interface and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of scientist and engineers.
• Interface with quality assurance, as needed, to ensure methods developed and experiments executed result in designs that meet quality standards.
• Perform work with an emphasis in safety.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• PhD plus 2+ years experience or B.S. plus 7+years experience
• Proficient in inorganic synthesis development with radioisotopes, preferably alpha emitters.
• Well versed in chemical and elemental analysis techniques including XRD, XRF, ICP-OES/MS, TGA/DSC, UV-Vis, Raman and radioisotopic analysis techniques including gamma and alpha spectroscopy.
• Demonstrated experience developing chemistry for use in glovebox and hot cell environments.
• Ability to follow and develop laboratory safety protocols.
• Operates with a high degree of trust and integrity, communicates openly, display respect and a desire to foster teamwork.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presentation and technical writing.
• Experience using Atlassian products (Confluence and Jira) is a plus.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-demand environment, is a self-starter and can perform at a high level with minimal supervision.

Job Functions

• Position requires in-office presence in Seattle (South Lake Union) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
  • Remote work is generally optional on Mondays and Friday in our hybrid environment, but this role may require occasional in-office lab work on these days to support ongoing project needs.
• Travel: <10% Travel is required
• 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 thi