Senior Material Scientist

Zeno Power; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Flexible paid time off

401k plan with employer match

16 weeks of paid family leave

11 observed company holidays

Employer HSA contributions

Life insurance

Transit benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Employee recognition program

ClassPass benefit

Dog friendly office

Job summary

Zeno Power operates at the forefront of nuclear battery technology, seeking a Senior Material Scientist to drive R&D in advanced materials for radioisotope power systems. You will lead testing, certify material choices, and mentor technicians while collaborating across teams to ensure reliable, space-ready and ocean-ready power solutions.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab work in Seattle with in-office presence and travel as needed, offering a strong compensation package and extensive benefits in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of industry or research experience (Masters: 3+ years; PhD: 1+ year).
• Strong understanding of structure-property-processing relationships.
• Background in chemistry, material compatibility, and mechanical testing.
• Experience with ceramic material processes, pelletization.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D efforts in developing and characterizing advanced materials.
• Develop test requirements, plans, specifications, and procedures for materials testing.
• Execute testing and materials analysis to determine properties.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on material selection and qualification.
• Direct and mentor technicians in testing and analysis techniques.
• Prepare solutions, compounds, and reagents for lab procedures.
• Write technical reports detailing methods and findings.
• Contribute to patent filings, publications, and internal knowledge sharing.
• Support Zeno Power Systems' Safety Culture.

Skills

DOE & statistics

Materials characterization

Project leadership

Problem solving

Communication skills

Mechanical testing

Structure-property relationships

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or related field

Tools

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

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 at sea. To 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.

Senior Material Scientist

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Senior Material Scientist to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies.

In this role you will:

• Lead R&D efforts in developing and characterizing advanced materials, including metals and ceramics, as well as improving chemical products, processes, and materials.
• Develop test requirements, plans, specifications, and procedures for materials testing.
• Execute testing and materials analysis using techniques to determine chemical, physical, and mechanical properties.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to support material selection and qualification for Zeno's heat source and power systems designs.
• Direct and mentor technicians and other workers in testing and analysis techniques.
• Prepare solutions, compounds, and reagents used in laboratory procedures.
• Write technical reports that detail methods and findings.
• Contribute to patent filings, technical publications, and internal knowledge sharing.
• Support Zeno Power Systems' Safety Culture.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelors Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of industry or research related experience (Masters degree and 3+ years or Ph.D. and 1+ years of experience).
• Strong understanding of structure-property-processing relationships.
• Strong background in chemistry, material compatibility, and mechanical testing.
• Knowledgeable on ceramic material processes, such as pelletization.
• Experience with design of experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency with materials characterization and analytical tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects from concept to completion.
• Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills.
• Candidate must be a self-starter and possess required skills to coordinate and contribute to design effort with minimal direction.
• Can meet deadlines and perform under pressure in an uncertain environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with radiological effects on materials
• Familiarity with ASME, ASTM, ISO, or MIL-STD material standards
• Experience in material modeling/simulation is a plus

Job Functions

• Position requires in-office presence in Seattle (South Lake Union) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
  • Remote work is generally optional on Mondays and Friday in our hybrid environment, but this role may require occasional in-office lab work on these days to support ongoing project needs.
• Travel: Travel is required, <10%
• 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

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary band for this position is $140,000 - $160,000. The final job level and compensation 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.

In addition to competitive compensation, we also offer a generous benefits package, which includes:

• Stock options
• Flexible paid time off
• 401k plan with employer match
• 16 weeks of paid family leave
• 11 observed company holidays
• Employer HSA contributions
• Life insurance
• Transit benefits to put toward commuting expenses
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Professional development
• Employee recognition program
• Company-sponsored ClassPass benefit to support employee wellness
• Dog friendly office

Physical Demands and Work Environment

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 to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Export Control

Applicants for employment at Zeno Power must be a U.S. person. The term “U.S. Person” means (i) a U.S citizen or U.S. national; or (ii) any natural person who is a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e., holds a Green Card), as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or as a “protected individual” defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., admitted as a refugee or is granted asylum).