Systems Engineer

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.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are 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.

We are seeking a highly motivated Systems Engineer to support the engineering efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power System (RPS) technologies. This role will report to the Engineering Manager, Systems Engineering.

• Develop, implement, and enforce design processes and tools to support RPS and facility design work, including tracking and managing design documentation, requirements, and open items.
• Develop system requirements and specification documents.
• Coordinate diverse product design, fabrication, and testing teams to develop required design and interface documentation, including geographically diverse teams that may comprise Zeno, National Labs, and subcontractors.
• Ensure sound Systems Engineering methodology is applied to the design of RPS systems, test equipment, tooling, and integrated systems.
• Manage integration of design processes across contractors, engineering functions, and system design teams, including design control, design change control, and consistent application of design tools.
• Verify adherence to regulatory and code requirements through the design process and operations planning.
• Monitor and ensure design team performance and compliance with technical requirements throughout the design lifecycle.
• Assist in schedule planning and technical activity development, ensuring adherence to schedule across groups.
• Generate and coordinate design package components for key systems, including calculations, reports, drawings, and design specifications.
• Interface with engineering and project personnel to identify and develop design information and specify system design and performance criteria.

• B.S. or higher in a relevant engineering discipline from an accredited university, with 3+ years of relevant experience in system design and integration.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing Systems Engineering design approaches, preferably in an aerospace or nuclear regulatory environment.
• Experience implementing integrated design of nuclear systems, extreme temperature environments, and radioactive systems (desired).
• Understanding of configuration management principles and knowledge of design control tools.
• Experience performing activities under a quality standard such as NQA‑1, AS 9100, or similar.
• Experience in the aerospace and/or nuclear industry is desirable.
• Proven success coordinating work across stakeholders at test sites.
• Self‑starter who can coordinate and contribute to design effort with minimal direction.
• Capable of meeting deadlines and performing under pressure in an uncertain environment.
• Demonstrates effectiveness working independently or collaboratively as part of a team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• 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:
  Minimal, with ability to…