Radioanalytical and Production Chemist

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.

Principal Scientist: Radioanalytical and Production Chemist

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Principal Scientist: Radioanalytical and Production Chemist to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. This position encompasses the unique opportunity of working with a strong team to establish the production and radioanalytical methods for the first private company produced radiological heat sources.

In this role you will:

• Work to establish laboratory operations ensuring regulatory compliance and implementation of radiological safety protocols, including laboratory setup, instrument and equipment identification, procurement and qualification.
• Develop procedures for the sampling and sample preparation of radiological materials throughout all stages of the process.
• Develop radioanalytical methods for the characterization of materials received and produced.
• Modify procedures developed using stable surrogates for work with radioactive material, following the guidance of the radiation protection plan.
• Take part in and oversee daily chemistry work supporting analysis and production of heat sources.
• Provide training to staff and oversee the safe use of chemicals and radioactive materials.
• Manage laboratory inventory, instrument maintenance, and calibration, including developing calibration procedures that meet quality standards and regulatory compliance.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)'s for instruments and equipment in use.
• Lead a cross-functional team to deliver products safely.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. with 9+ years of experience or PhD with 5+ years of experience.
• Strong background in radiochemistry.
• Demonstrated strength in developing, validating, and optimizing radioanalytical methods to ensure accurate characterization, quantification, and product quality.
• Proven experience overseeing daily radiochemistry work performed in hot cells, gloveboxes, fume hoods, and benchtop spaces.
• Strong track record of maintaining a safe working environment and rigorous quality control standards.
• Provide support as Assistant/Backup Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), as needed.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Experience performing work under an NQA-1, ISO 9001, or similar quality standard.
• Must be a self-starter and possess the capacity to coordinate and lead a team effort with minimal direction.
• Capable of meeting deadlines and performing under pressure in uncertain environments.
• Demonstrated effectiveness when working independently or collaboratively.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.

Job Functions

• Position requires daily in-office presence at a radiological facility in the Bay Area
• Travel Requirements: Routine travel to Seattle, WA is expected during the first 4-6 months to support onboarding, in-lab work, and project alignment. After this initial period, travel will transition to a more limited, as-needed basis depending on project needs.
• 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 $160,000 - $200,000. 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

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 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.

Note

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.

Export Control

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).

Last Updated: 12/23/2025

Zeno Power ("Zeno," "we," "us," or "our") values your privacy. This Applicant Privacy Notice serves as our Notice at Collection and Applicant Privacy Notice for job applicants and explains how we collect, use, disclose, and retain personal information when you apply for a position with us. It also describes your rights under applicable privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act ("CCPA/CPRA").

The practices described in this Notice cover the preceding 12 months.

1. Personal Information We Collect

When you apply for a position, we may collect the following categories of personal information:

• Identifiers (e.g., name, email address, phone number)
• Professional or employment-related information (e.g., resume, cover letter, work history, education, references)
• Application and interview materials (e.g., interview notes, assessments, correspondence)
• Information related to your eligibility to work in the United States
• Any other information you voluntarily provide during the application process

We may collect sensitive personal information as defined under the CCPA/CPRA. We collect and use such information only as permitted by applicable law and solely for purposes related to evaluating your application, determining eligibility for employment, and complying with legal obligations.

2. Purposes for Collection

We collect and use applicant personal information for the following purposes:

• Recruiting and evaluating candidates for employment
• Communicating with you about your application
• Conducting interviews and assessments
• Verifying qualifications, references, and eligibility to work
• Complying with legal, regulatory, and reporting obligations, including equal employment opportunity laws
• Improving our hiring and recruiting processes

3. Sources of Personal Information

We collect personal information directly from you, as well as from:

• References you provide
• Recruiting platforms or applicant tracking systems
• Background check providers, where applicable and permitted by law

4. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose applicant personal information to:

• Internal personnel involved in the hiring process
• Service providers that assist with recruiting, hiring, or background checks
• Government authorities, where required by law

Zeno does not sell or share (as those terms are defined under the CCPA/CPRA) applicant personal information.

5. Retention of Personal Information

We retain applicant personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Notice, including complying with applicable legal and regulatory obligations. If you are hired, your information will become part of your personnel file and will be retained in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.

6. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, including if you are a California resident, you may have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information, subject to applicable legal exceptions, and to not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights.

To exercise these rights or ask questions about this Applicant Privacy Notice, please contact Zeno Power using the contact information available on our website.

7. Automated Decision-Making

Zeno does not use automated decision-making technology to make employment decisions without human involvement.

8. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Applicant Privacy Notice or our privacy practices, , please contact Zeno Power using the contact information available on our website.