Chemical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA

Company Overview   

Zeno Power’s (Zeno) mission is to provide clean, plug-and-play power anywhere in the universe. To do that, Zeno is developing a next-generation radioisotope power system (RPS) that generates carbon-free, resilient power for decades, utilizing material found in nuclear waste. Zeno’s technology is both light-weight and cost-effective compared to historic RPS, opening up broad market opportunities in space and terrestrially. To bring this breakthrough technology to market, 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. 

Chemical Process Engineer

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated contract Chemical Process Engineer to support the engineering efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power System (RPS) technologies. In this role you will:

• Interface and coordinate experiment and process activities with a diverse team of scientists and engineers.
• Coordinate the development of chemical processes and/or systems to meet existing and future RPS Programmatic objectives, to include fuel synthesis, fuel fabrication, and future fuel development opportunities.
• Ensure sound Systems Engineering methodology (requirements management, interface control) is applied to the design of RPS systems as well as required fabrication and testing facility systems.
• Manage technical, project, and R&D inputs and requirements to develop and produce experimental design and process solutions.
• Develop and issue test requirements and test plans targeting specific fuel processing, fabrication, and interface system phenomena at a bench top to pilot-scale level. Interface with responsible parties during the execution of these test scopes.
• Generate system process work packages.
• Assist in schedule and technical activity development as well as drive schedule adherence across technical teams.
• Provide oversight and interface with subcontracted partners to ensure proper performance and integration of vendor work scopes.
• Analyze test and process data to generate reports to document important design knowledge during innovative process development cycles.
• Lead presentations related to design and analysis results during design and project reviews.

Key Qualifications and Skills:

• B.S. or higher in Chemical Engineering or equivalent from accredited university, 3 years relevant experience in chemical or chemical process engineering.
• Demonstrated experience with process/system design, including development of P&IDs, PFDs, 3D design, fluids design, heat and energy balances, sequence of operation/controls design, commissioning, etc.
• Experience working in glovebox and/or hot cell environments is desired.
• Experience in writing specifications and procurement documentation for relevant components is highly desired.
• Strong and creative analytical and problem solving skills.
• Experience working with, designing, and implementing processes for hazardous chemical systems, such as those involving high temperatures, high pressures, or utilizing radioactive, corrosive, toxic, or flammable chemicals, is desired.
• Experience working with, designing, and implementing processes for powders, slurries, liquids, and gases.
• RPS experience preferred.
• Experience performing activities under an NQA-1, AS 9100D, ISO 9001, or similar quality standard.
• Candidate must be a self-starter and possess ability to coordinate and lead a design team’s effort with minimal direction.
• Able to meet deadlines and perform under pressure in an uncertain environment.
• Ability to clearly demonstrate the ability to work either independently or as part of a team
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.

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, 10-15%.
• Motor Abilities: Sitting/standing for extended periods, gripping, fine motor control (hands)
• Physical requirements: Ability to safely lift up to 15 pounds
• Special Senses: Visual and audio
• Work Conditions: Typing, standing/sitting working environment of >8 hr/day

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary band for this position is $80,000-100,000. 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
• Annual employee wellness reimbursement and office supply stipend
• Transit benefits to put toward commuting expenses
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Relocation assistance

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).