Mechanical Design Engineer

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 Senior 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.

• B.S. or higher in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent from accredited university
• 5+ 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.

• 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

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).