Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer

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 Thermal Analysis Engineer

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. The Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer will be reporting to the Analysis Manager.

In this role you will:

• Lead thermal analysis efforts across the full product lifecycle, from early concept and trade studies through detailed modeling, qualification, and correlation with test data.
• Develop and execute steady-state and transient thermal analyses using FEA-based methods at the component, subsystem, and system levels to support RPS and associated hardware.
• Build, maintain, and refine high-fidelity thermal models using CAD-integrated CAE and finite-element techniques, including complex geometries, interfaces, and material behavior.
• Apply first-principles heat transfer and thermodynamics to guide model formulation, validate FEA results, and assess margins, sensitivities, and risk.
• Define thermal requirements, environments, boundary conditions, and acceptance criteria, and support verification and validation through analysis and testing.
• Perform sensitivity studies and design trades using analytical and FEA-based approaches to improve performance, robustness, and manufacturability while balancing cost and schedule constraints.
• Correlate FEA thermal predictions with experimental data (e.g., thermal-vacuum, environmental, or qualification testing) and update models to improve predictive fidelity.
• Partner closely with mechanical, electrical, systems, test, and materials engineers to ensure thermal considerations are fully integrated into overall system design.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship on thermal analysis topics, including best practices for FEA modeling, assumptions, and interpretation of results.
• Define and manage thermal scope for external vendors, including requirements definition, model review, progress tracking, and technical evaluation of deliverables.
• Communicate results clearly and accurately through written reports, design reviews, and oral presentations to internal teams, leadership, customers, and external stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement of thermal analysis methods, tools, and workflows, including development or enhancement of internal FEA-based tools and automation.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for innovation in thermal architecture, modeling approaches, and analysis capability to support future programs.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) with 7+ years of thermal analysis experience, M.S degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) with 5+ years of thermal analysis experience, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) with 3+ years of thermal analysis experience.
• Proficiency with finite-element–based thermal analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS Workbench, Thermal Desktop, or equivalent platforms).
• Experience developing both high-fidelity and reduced-order thermal models to balance accuracy, speed, and program needs.
• Demonstrated ability to identify bounding cases, perform rapid assessments, and quantify the thermal impact of design decisions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical results to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to execute effectively in fast-paced, high-uncertainty environments while meeting aggressive schedules.
• Ability to work autonomously on complex technical problems while also collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience working under a Quality Assurance program such as AS9100 (or similar) preferred.
• Familiarity with Atlassian Confluence/Jira workflows.

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 - $175,000. 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
• ⁠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 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).