Laboratory Operations Assistant

Please Note: This position is not expected to start until January 2026 at the earliest. We anticipate there may be intermittent interviews during the holiday season, we will be scheduling around team and candidate availability to accommodate holiday schedules. We encourage interested candidates to apply now.

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 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 Laboratory Operations Assistant - Contractor to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. This position will be reporting to the Laboratory Operations Manager.

• Maintain accurate inventory logs, track material levels, and reorder supplies to prevent shortages.
• Receive incoming shipments of lab materials and equipment, verify shipment accuracy against purchase orders, and ensure proper documentation and storage of all lab materials and equipment.
• Prepare and deliver shipment packages to carriers.
• Coordinate and submit purchasing requests for the lab.
• Conduct routine safety equipment inspections.
• Support lab cleanliness and ensure compliance with internal SOPs and safety guidelines.
• As time permits, assist in the verification and basic calibration checks of laboratory equipment.
• Provide operational support during audits or inspections as needed.

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a scientific or technical field preferred with 1-2 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience with inventory management.
• Prior experience in warehouse or lab operations is preferred.
• Familiarity with lab safety standards (chemical handling, PPE use) is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and documentation abilities.
• Ability to follow SOPs and maintain compliance standards.
• Basic computer literacy (Excel, inventory tracking software)

• Position requires in-office presence in Seattle (South Lake Union) Monday-Friday, with option to occasionally work from home on Mondays and Fridays with Manager approval
• Travel:
  None
• 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
• Contract Duration: 6 months

The anticipated hourly rate for this position is $25-35/hr the final pay-rate 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.

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…