Mechanical Design Engineer

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.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Design Engineer to support the engineering efforts of developing Radioisotope Power Systems (RPSs) for applications from the seabed to the surface of the moon.

In this role you will:

• Work closely with a team of engineers to support the design, testing and manufacturing of RPS fuel and structure components.
• Interface with the structural, thermal and nuclear teams to implement and optimize power system and tooling designs based on system requirements.
• Generate models to support analyses.
• Interpret and apply design and drafting standards (ASME Y14.5M) when creating and evaluating drawings.
• Work on a wide range of systems related to RPS.
• Support project execution through vendor coordination, fabrication oversight, and inspection activities.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. or higher in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent from accredited university
• 4+ years of experience in nuclear, aerospace, or other relevant hardware design.
• Experience collaborating with scientists and design engineers to achieve efficient and cost-effective designs.
• Understanding of thermal and structural aspects to help design iterations.
• Proficient with 3D CAD programs (SolidWorks preferred or similar).
• Experience with GD&T implementation and Analysis (ASME Y14.5).
• Familiar with different types of assembly fixtures, material handling, test fixtures, structural weldments, and custom machines.
• Experience with hot cell tooling or remote handling is preferred.
• Must be a self-starter and possess ability to coordinate and contribute to design effort with minimal direction.
• Experience performing activities under a quality standard (such as NQA-1, AS 9100, or similar).
• Consistently deliver on deadlines while maintaining performance under pressure and ambiguity.
• Proven effectiveness in both independent work and team-based settings.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.

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 $105,000 - $125,000. 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
• ⁠11 observed company holidays
• Employer HSA contributions
• Life insurance
• Transit benefits to put toward commuting expenses
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Professional development
• Employee recognition program
• ⁠Company-sponsored ClassPass benefit to support employee wellness
• On-site and o