Mechanical Design Engineer - Maritime (Contract)

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.

Mechanical Design Engineer (contract)

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Design Engineer to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. This role reports to the Mechanical Design Manager.

In this role you will:

• Create models, drawings, and configurations of hardware with a focus on mechanical systems including tooling, mechanisms, and routed systems.
• Generate component and assembly product definition by preparing design layouts and drawings, modifying existing designs and resolving design discrepancies.
• Implement engineering and manufacturing best practices to achieve a balanced approach to cost, schedule, and performance requirements.
• Collaborate closely with structural, thermal, and nuclear teams to implement and optimize design based on system requirements.
• Comply with drafting standards and implement drawing notes based on program needs, best practices, and industry standards.
• Identify and execute design improvements to optimize performance, manufacturability, and cost.
• Perform model and drawing check activities during release reviews.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum of Associate's Degree in Drafting/Engineering Technology with 7 years of relevant experience, or Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering with 5 years of relevant experience
• Proficient in the use of CAD software, SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM is required.
• Experience in the design of maritime, nuclear, spacecraft, or launch vehicle systems.
• Experience with codes and standards for maritime pressure vessel design a plus.
• Experience in standard fits, tolerance stacks, and GD&T analysis (ASME Y14.100, Y14.5/Y14.5M, Y14.41).
• Proficient in drawing generation, checking, and release processes.
• Practical experience in Design for Manufacturing and Assembly.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Job Functions

• Position requires in-office presence in Seattle (South Lake Union) 1 day per week
• Travel: None
• 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 pay band for this position is $65-80/hr. 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.

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).

Salary : $65 - $80