Nuclear Supply Chain Specialist

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.

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Nuclear Supply Chain Specialist to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. The specialist will work closely with Nuclear Supply Chain team members to engage with used nuclear fuel (UNF) recyclers, US Department of Energy stakeholders, and commercial partners on radioisotope supply chains.

In this role you will:

• Support development of Zeno’s multi‑isotope strategy, including Sr‑90, Am‑241, and additional isotopes of interest for Zeno’s products.
• Conduct technical and commercial assessments of candidate isotopes: production routes, separations/fabrication pathways, decay characteristics, handling and packaging requirements, and long‑term supply risks.
• Develop comparative trade studies that combine technical performance, cost, schedule, regulatory complexity, and supplier capability to inform program and product decisions.

• Engage with UNF recyclers, reprocessors, national labs, and commercial suppliers to understand and expand their supply chain capabilities across multiple isotopes.
• Translate nuclear fuel cycle and UNF separations concepts into practical supply chain implications (purity, throughput, bottlenecks, waste streams, etc.).
• Connect technical and business perspectives by translating detailed nuclear fuel‑cycle and separations concepts (flowsheets, impurities, QA/QC, fabrication limits) into clear implications for pricing, schedules, and commercial terms in discussions with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Work with Nuclear Supply Chain, Legal, and leadership to support or lead the technical aspects of supply agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs), including specifications, acceptance criteria, and change‑control implications.

• B.S. in nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, physics, or a related engineering/science field with 4+ years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Technical experience with the nuclear fuel cycle, used nuclear fuel, and/or radiochemical separations, with the ability to understand and critique flowsheets and process options.
• Familiarity with radioisotope production and decay concepts, radiological material handling, and ALARA principles.
• Demonstrated ability to operate at the intersection of technology and business:
• • Comfortable in technical discussions with chemists/engineers and
  • Capable of supporting negotiations or structuring supply arrangements with suppliers and partners.
• Experience working with or alongside national laboratories, nuclear utilities, fuel‑cycle vendors, or UNF recyclers.
• Strong analytical and project management skills; able to manage multiple concurrent efforts in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience drafting technical summaries, white papers, or proposals.

• Hands‑on or research experience in UNF separations or isotope recovery processes.
• Understanding of radiological transportation regulations, material handling requirements, and waste management frameworks.
• Familiarity with DOE programs (e.g., GAIN), NRC/DOE regulatory environments, and government contracting or partnerships.

• Position requires in-office presence in Washington, D.C. (Mt. Vernon/Chinatown) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Remote work is optional on Mondays and Fridays
• Travel: Travel is required, <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 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

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.

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.

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).