VP of Radiological Operations

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 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. 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. Vice President of Radiological Operations Zeno Power is becoming a fully operational radiological enterprise – one that manufactures, handles, deploys, and scales nuclear batteries. We are looking for a hands‑on, mission‑driven VP of Radiological Operations to lead that transformation. Responsibilities Lead the stand‑up, commissioning, operational readiness, and long‑term operation of Zeno’s radiological facility in the Bay Area, including ownership of the departmental budget and resource allocation. Build and lead a high‑performing radiological operations organization, including hot cell operators, health physicists, radiological control technicians, radiological protection, and maintenance personnel. Move with urgency to transition facility and radiological operations from existing partner to Zeno’s Radioactive Materials license to support customer deployments in 2027. Drive the development and scaling of radiological operations, including implementation of a comprehensive radiation protection program encompassing personnel dosimetry, monitoring, and radiological procedures, to enable the manufacturing and deployment of Zeno’s nuclear RPS technology. Own the development and maintenance of facility procedures, work control and integration processes, readiness reviews, and radiological safety standards across all radiological facility activities, including implementation of ALARA principles, corrective action programs, safety‑conscious work practices, work authorization controls, and hazard analyses. Oversee compliance programs, including nuclear material accountability, security, and regulatory safeguard requirements. Maintain strong working relationships with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), California Department of Health (CDPH), and other relevant regulatory agencies, and ensure facility operations comply with Radioactive Materials license, transportation, and security requirements and standards. Partner cross‑functionally with engineering, regulatory, supply chain, and project management teams to industrialize Zeno’s technology. Lead radiological operations planning and support for Zeno’s nuclear batteries in maritime and space environments, working in close partnership with our internal regulatory organization, customers, and regulators – including operational readiness at ports and launch sites. Key Qualifications and Skills B.S. in Nuclear Engineering, Health Physics, Radiation Protection, or a related technical discipline; advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) strongly preferred. 15+ years of progressive experience in radiological or nuclear facility operations, including 5+ years in a leadership role. Demonstrated success bringing new radiological systems or capabilities online – from planning through commissioning and sustained operations. Hands‑on operational leadership experience in one or more of the following environments: Commercial nuclear operations Radiopharmaceutical manufacturing Isotope production and handling Hot cell operations Advanced manufacturing in NRC- or DOE‑regulated environments Deep familiarity with all key elements of radiological work planning, including work authorizations, ALARA program implementation, nuclear safety culture, quality assurance (NQA‑1 or ISO 9001), personnel dosimetry, and regulator engagement on oversight and inspections. Strong budget management, organizational leadership, and cross‑functional collaboration skills, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, ambiguous startup environment. Ability to relocate to and work onsite in the Bay Area, CA. Preferred Qualifications Experience transitioning organizations from development‑stage into production‑scale radiological operations, including building new operational organizations or standing up new facilities from scratch. Certification or qualification as a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) under NRC or Agreement State frameworks, or experience overseeing RSO program functions. Experience supporting field deployment operations in remote, maritime, or aerospace environments, including radiological transportation operations. Job Functions Position requires daily in‑office presence at a radiological facility in the Bay Area. Travel: Travel is required, 25‑35%. 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. Must be able to work in radiologically controlled areas and comply with all facility, dosimetry, and radiological safety requirements. Compensation and Benefits The anticipated salary band for this position is $225,000–$275,000. 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. 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr