Chemical Engineer

Company Overview

Zeno 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.

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 Chemical Engineer to support the mission‑oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. The Chemical Engineer will be reporting to the Materials and Chemistry Manager.

In this role you will:

• Lead and/or support the design of systems for all aspects of the radio chemical separation, purification, synthesis and pelletization of fuels for RPS. This includes designing systems to handle highly radioactive and corrosive materials in a remotely operated environment.
• Interface and coordinate experiments with a diverse team of scientists and engineers, including implementing test requirements and plans that aid in system design.
• Develop, review and maintain documentation to support system design, including design requirements, PFD, P&, heat, energy and material balances, process narratives, specifications, installation and commissioning plans.
• Support the integration of systems through design, commissioning and production.
• Troubleshoot, modify and maintain systems designed and implemented.
• Ensure sound engineering methodology (requirements management, interface control) is applied to the design of RPS as well as required fabrication and testing facility systems.
• Assist with facility design and modifications to support fuel processing.
• Provide technical oversight of subcontracted partners to ensure proper integration and performance of vendor deliverables.
• Analyze test and literature data to generate reports documenting important design aspects.
• Lead presentations related to design and analysis results during design and project reviews.
• Communicate effectively across a diverse and multidisciplinary team.

• B.S. or higher in Chemical Engineering or equivalent from accredited university and 7+ years relevant experience in chemical or chemical process engineering.
• Experience designing systems for radio chemical handling and manipulation in a hot cell environment is highly desired.
• Experience working with, designing, and implementing processes for powders, slurries, liquids, and gases.
• Strong and creative analytical and problem solving skills.
• Experience designing and implementing processes for hazardous chemical systems involving high temperatures, high pressures, or the use of radioactive, corrosive, toxic, or flammable/pyrophoric materials.
• Demonstrated experience with process/system design, including development of P&IDs, PFDs, 3D design, fluids design, heat and energy balances, sequence of operation/controls design, commissioning, etc.
• Experience in writing specifications and procurement documentation for relevant components is highly desired.
• Experience performing activities under an NQA-1, AS 9100D, ISO 9001, or similar quality standard.
• Candidate must be a self-starter and possess ability to coordinate and lead a design team’s effort with minimal direction.
• Capable of meeting…