Radiation Protection Manager

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  bring this technology to market by 2027, Zeno is seeking 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 a proud Equal Opportunity Employer committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated workforce. 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 Radiation Protection Manager to support the mission‑oriented efforts of fabricating and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. Reporting directly to Zeno’s site management, the Radiation Protection Manager will be responsible for Zeno’s Radiation Protection program at our Radiological Facility in Sunol, California.

• Develop, implement, and maintain the facility’s Radiation Protection Program, procedures, and controls in compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)/Agreement State and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Lead and supervise Radiation Protection Technicians, including staffing, training, qualification, and performance management.
• Own the facility’s As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) program by establishing performance goals, monitoring and trending radiological dose metrics, and driving continuous improvement in dose reduction and contamination control.
• Serve as the facility’s Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) or designee, as applicable, and serve as the primary point of contact for radiation protection matters with regulators.
• Oversee radiological instrumentation, calibration, and dosimetry programs.
• Review and approve radiological work permits, surveys, and work packages, including for hot cell operations and subcontracted work.
• Partner with the Work Control Specialist and facility leadership to integrate radiation protection into work planning and scheduling.
• Lead investigations of radiological events, unplanned exposures, and contamination incidents, and manage corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver radiation worker training and respiratory protection programs.
• Participate in and lead self‑assessments, audits, and regulatory inspections.
• Interface with the landlord’s radiation protection and work control organizations to ensure integrated operations.

• M.S. in Health Physics, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in radiation protection or health physics, including supervisory or lead experience, preferably in a DOE or NRC/Agreement State regulated environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing radiation protection programs, ALARA planning, and dosimetry/instrumentation programs.
• Strong understanding of radiation protection principles and applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead and develop technical staff.
• Perform effectively under pressure while consistently meeting deadlines in a dynamic, rapidly evolving environment.
• Capable of managing and supporting numerous simultaneous tasks that require a multi‑disciplinary approach.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT) certification, Certified Health Physicist (CHP), or equivalent.
• Experience serving as a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).
• Experience with hot cell operations and RPS/RTG or radioisotope processing facilities.

• Positio…