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.
Radiation Protection Technician
Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Radiation Protection Technician to support the mission-oriented efforts of fabricating and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. Reporting directly to Zeno’s Radiation Protection Manager, the Radiation Protection Technician will perform radiological surveys, monitoring, and controls to support safe and compliant operations at our Radiological Facility in Sunol, California.
In this role you will
- Perform routine and non-routine radiological surveys, including contamination, dose rate, and airborne radioactivity surveys.
- Set up and maintain radiological postings, boundaries, and controls in accordance with facility procedures and regulatory requirements.
- Issue, calibrate, and maintain radiation detection instrumentation and personnel dosimetry.
- Support radiological work planning by reviewing work packages, performing pre-job briefings, and providing real-time radiological coverage for work activities, including hot cell operations.
- Monitor personnel, equipment, and materials for contamination during entry to and exit from radiologically controlled areas.
- Collect and process air, smear, and environmental samples in support of the facility’s radiation protection program.
- Maintain accurate records of surveys, dosimetry, and radiological monitoring data.
- Respond to radiological events, alarms, and abnormal conditions, and support incident investigations as needed.
- Support respiratory protection and anti-contamination clothing programs, including fit testing and PPE issuance.
- Assist in maintaining ALARA practices and radiological controls across facility operations.
- Participate in self-assessments, audits, and regulatory inspections as needed.
Key Qualifications and Skills
- H.S. diploma or equivalent required; A.S. or B.S. in Health Physics, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Technology, or a related field preferred.
- 2+ years of experience as a radiation protection technician (RCT/HP Tech) in a nuclear or radiological facility, or completion of an accredited RCT training program.
- Working knowledge of radiation detection instrumentation, survey techniques, and dosimetry.
- Understanding of radiation protection principles, including ALARA, and applicable regulatory requirements (NRC/Agreement State, DOE, or equivalent).
- Able to meet deadlines and perform under pressure in an uncertain environment.
- Ability to manage and support numerous simultaneous tasks that require a multi-disciplinary approach.
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- NRRPT certification or equivalent.
- Experience at a DOE or NRC/Agreement State regulated facility, including hot cell operations support.
- Experience with radiological work permits and work control processes.
Job Functions
- Position requires daily in-facility presence at the Radiological Facility in Sunol, California
- Travel: <5%
- Motor Abilities: Sitting and/or standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)
- Physical exertion and/or requirements: Moderate, with ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds and don/doff respiratory and anti-contamination PPE as required
- Repetitive work: Prolonged
- Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work
- Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard facility working environment of >8 hrs./day, including radiologically controlled areas
- Must be able to work in radiologically controlled areas and comply with facility and safety requirements
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated hourly range for this position is $46.67/hour - $60.10/hour. 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
- Generous PTO
- 401k plan with employer match
- 16 weeks of paid family leave
- 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
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).
