VP of Engineering

Company: Zeno Power
Location: Seattle
Posted on: April 1, 2025

Job Description:

Company OverviewZeno 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.Vice President of EngineeringZeno is seeking a highly motivated VP of Engineering to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. This position will be the Organization Lead of the Engineering Department, and will report to the Chief Product Officer. This role will manage and coordinate current and future technical work associated with RPS related programs and maintain Zeno's state-of-the-art RPS technology and design capabilities. This role will be responsible for technical performance of nuclear design and technology programs; maintaining highly qualified staff; ensuring that necessary resources are made available; managing Department level budgets; and building positive relationships with key stakeholder organizations.In this role you will:

• Ensure engineering and design activities lead to fulfilling existing and future orders, along with scaling-up manufacturing.
• Perform the function of Design Authority, or authorize Design Authority delegation, across all Zeno Design Projects.
• Lead and grow an Engineering Team comprised of high-quality staff and technical disciplines that include:
  • Mechanical Analysis and Design (Thermal, Structural, Mechanical Design, Drafting), Fuel Design and Analysis (Radiochemists, Chemical/Process Engineers, Nuclear Engineers), and Systems.
  • Collaborate with Project and Zeno Managers on current programs with a high level of both technical and business achievement.
  • Inspire the creation of new nuclear technologies and concepts; support funding opportunities to perform R&D work.
  • Support and/or lead technical proposals in response to new program opportunities.
  • Build working relationships with key personnel within customer and potential customer organizations.
  • Develop, improve, and implement engineering procedures, quality assurance policy, and other requirements within the Engineering Team.
  • Manage the development of technical/engineering work estimates, schedules, and deliverables, as well as tracking progress, in support of Zeno Project Managers.
  • Responsible for overall management of the Engineering Team to anticipate and resolve technical and programmatic problems.
  • Provide status and progress updates on technical execution to the Executive Team.Key Qualifications and Skills
    • B.S. or higher in an engineering discipline from an accredited university with > 15 years experience AND > 10 years experience in engineering management.
    • Demonstrate extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice as well as comprehensive project management and leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
    • Demonstrated experience leading a multi-disciplinary engineering organization.
    • Nuclear Design or Space Product Design experience highly preferred.
    • In-depth knowledge of first of a kind design life cycle, analysis methodologies, and regulatory implications on design is required.
    • Broad knowledge of multidisciplinary engineering fields including mechanical, thermal, structural, systems, nuclear, and chemistry.
    • Effective communication, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with a proven track record of directing successful technical teams.
    • Can efficiently meet deadlines and perform under pressure in an uncertain environment.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,
      • Motor Abilities: Sitting and/or standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands).
      • Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal lifting, carrying and moving of materials weighing 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 BenefitsThe anticipated salary band for this position is $240,000-$300,000.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 EnvironmentThe 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.NoteThis 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
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Keywords: Zeno Power, Seattle , VP of Engineering, Executive , Seattle, Washington