Maritime Regulatory Principal

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 proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is 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 Maritime Regulatory Principal to help license and bring to market first of a kind Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies for maritime environments.

Reporting to the Vice President of Regulation, this position will play a central role in achieving the Company’s mission, sailing Zeno through uncharted legal territories to pave the way for maritime deployment of radioisotope power, an untapped multi‑billion market.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical and policy background in maritime, nuclear, and/or other regulated industries, and a motivation to help jumpstart the commercial maritime nuclear industry.

In this role you will:

• Lead highly complex applications for licenses, authorization, permits, or other approvals for maritime uses (and transportation) of radioisotope power systems, including stakeholder engagement and regulator interactions.
• Identify licensing and permitting requirements for transporting and deploying radioisotope power systems in offshore waters for commercial and civil applications, as well as identify opportunities to shape regulatory environments.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Zeno Power's overall regulatory strategy for maritime markets.
• Interface directly with regulators, classification societies, and government bodies (NRC, NAVSEA, IMO, USCG) to ensure all operations align with safety and regulatory standards, and shape their emerging standards.
• Act as a subject matter expert on maritime safety, regulations, and operations, including maritime radioisotope safety.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally within the Company and its contractors to provide regulatory guidance, support, and identify best practices.

• Bachelor's degree in Oceanography, Maritime Operations, Environmental Health and Safety, or a related technical discipline.
• Advanced degree or certification in related field.
• Minimum 8‑12 years of regulatory, maritime compliance, or offshore operational experience.
• Familiarity with relevant standards and regulations governing maritime operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present technical information to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience with stakeholder engagement and collaboration, particularly with U.S. Navy, government agencies, and regulatory bodies.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

• Direct experience as a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), Environmental Health and Safety Officer (EHSO), radiation protection technician, or similar role in maritime/subsea operations.
• Familiarity with operations involving deep sea activities from surface vessels, including deck operations and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
• Familiarity with ongoing federal agency efforts to regulate advanced nuclear maritime applications.

• Position requires in‑office presence in Washington, D.C. (Mt. Vernon/Chinatown) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, remote work is optional on Mondays and Fridays.
• Travel:
  Travel is…