Senior/Principal Structural Analyst

Zeno Power; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Flexible paid time off

401k with employer match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Relocation assistance

Employee development

Job summary

Zeno Power is seeking a Senior/Principal Structural Analyst to support the mission of developing and bringing Radioisotope Power System technologies to market. The role reports to the Analysis Manager and requires leading structural analyses, ensuring compliance with design and NASA standards, and guiding cross-functional teams through the development lifecycle.

In this position you will perform detailed analyses across programs, document findings, and mentor junior analysts, while collaborating

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (M.S. preferred).
• 7+ years of structural analysis experience for aerospace or nuclear systems.
• Proficiency with FEA tools (AN SYS Mechanical preferred; Abaqus, Nastran, LS-DYNA a plus).
• Strong dynamic structural analysis background (random vibration, sine sweep, shock, transient).
• Working knowledge of NASA standards and verification processes.
• Familiarity with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks) and GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
• Experience with quality systems (NQA-1, AS9100, ISO 9001).
• Excellent technical writing and clear presentation of results.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed mechanical and structural analyses of RPS structures and subsystems across all program phases.
• Evaluate mechanical performance against structural limits and codes (ASME BPVC, AWS D1.1).
• Apply NASA standards to ensure flight-class structural integrity and verifiable analysis documentation.
• Assess margins under mechanical, thermal, and acoustic environments using multiple analyses.
• Document findings in traceable reports per Zeno Power standards.
• Develop test requirements and plans; correlate tests to models.
• Provide oversight and mentorship to internal analysts and review deliverables.
• Guide mechanical design teams on sizing, configuration, and materials.
• Collaborate with systems, materials, and test engineers for robust designs.

Skills

Structural analysis

FEA proficiency

Dynamic analysis

Technical writing

Leadership

Team collaboration

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ANSYS Mechanical

Abaqus

Nastran

LS-DYNA

SolidWorks

GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

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/Principal Structural Analyst

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Senior/Principal Structural Analyst to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. This role will be reporting to the Analysis Manager.

In this role you will:

• Perform detailed mechanical and structural analyses of Radioisotope Power System (RPS) structures, subsystems, and components across all program phases—from early concept and prototype to qualification and flight hardware.


• Evaluate mechanical performance against structural limits, regulatory requirements, and applicable design and pressure vessel codes (ASME BPVC, AWS D1.1, etc.).


• Apply NASA structural design and verification standards (e.g., NASA-STD-5001, NASA-STD-5006, NASA-HDBK-5010, NASA-STD-5020, NASA-HDBK-7004) to ensure compliance with flight-class structural integrity, safety factors, and analysis documentation practices.


• Assess component margins and performance under mechanical, thermal, and acoustic environments using static, model, vibration, and explicit dynamic analyses.


• Document findings and provide guidance through clear, traceable analysis reports that conform with Zeno Power technical writing standards.


• Develop test requirements and plans to validate analytical results; correlate test data to analytical models and update predictions as required.


• Provide oversight and mentorship to internal analysts, review vendor and partner analysis deliverables for technical accuracy, compliance, and quality consistency.


• Provide input and guidance to mechanical design teams to inform component sizing, subsystem configuration, and material selection.


• Collaborate closely with systems, materials, and test engineers to ensure robust, manufacturable, and testable hardware designs.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited university (M.S. preferred).


• 7+ years of experience in structural analysis including steady state, random vibration, and thermal environments for aerospace or nuclear systems.


• Demonstrated proficiency and deep understanding of FEA tools (ANSYS Mechanical preferred; Abaqus, Nastran, or LS-DYNA a plus).


• Strong background in dynamic structural analysis, including random vibration, sine sweep, shock, and transient response.


• Experience with impact, re-entry, or launch environment analyses is a plus.


• Working knowledge of NASA standards and verification processes (NASA-STD-5001, NASA-STD-5006, NASA-HDBK-5010, NASA-STD-5020, NASA-HDBK-7004) highly desired.


• Familiarity with fracture mechanics, fatigue life estimation, and damage tolerance principles.


• Experience generating stress reports and component margins justifications consistent with NASA or aerospace prime contractor standards.


• Working knowledge of 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar) and GD&T (ASME Y14.5) for model-based definition and analysis.


• Experience working under structured quality systems (NQA-1, AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar).


• Excellent technical writing skills and ability to present results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.


• Self-starter capable of leading analysis efforts with minimal supervision, thriving in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.


• Strong collaboration and communication skills; able to work independently or as part of a cross-functional team.

Job Functions

• 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 <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 $145,000-$185,000. The final job level and compensation will be determined by factors including 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 perform the essential functions of this position successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these 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 does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job‑related instructions and perform other job‑related duties requested by anyone authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and may be modified to accommodate individuals with disabilities reasonably.

To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities needed to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to their own health or safety or that of 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).