Maritime Regulatory Principal

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.

Maritime Regulatory Principal

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Maritime Regulatory Principal to help license and bring to market first of a kind Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies for maritime environments. 

Reporting to the Vice President of Regulation, this position will play a central role in achieving the Company's mission, sailing Zeno through uncharted legal territories to pave the way for maritime deployment of radioisotope power, an untapped multi-billion market. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical and policy background in maritime, nuclear, and/or other regulated industries, and a motivation to help jumpstart the commercial maritime nuclear industry.

In this role you will:

• Lead highly complex applications for licenses, authorization, permits, or other approvals for maritime uses (and transportation) of radioisotope power systems, including stakeholder engagement and regulator interactions.
• Identify licensing and permitting requirements for transporting and deploying radioisotope power systems in offshore waters for commercial and civil applications, as well as identify opportunities to shape regulatory environments.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Zeno Power's overall regulatory strategy for maritime markets.
• Interface directly with regulators, classification societies, and government bodies (NRC, NAVSEA, IMO, USCG) to ensure all operations align with safety and regulatory standards, and shape their emerging standards.
• Act as a subject matter expert on maritime safety, regulations, and operations, including maritime radioisotope safety.
• Collaborate cross-functionally within the Company and its contractors to provide regulatory guidance, support, and identify best practices.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Oceanography, Maritime Operations, Environmental Health and Safety, or a related technical discipline.
• Advanced degree or certification in related field.
• Minimum 8-12 years of regulatory, maritime compliance, or offshore operational experience.
• Familiarity with relevant standards and regulations governing maritime operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present technical information to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience with stakeholder engagement and collaboration, particularly with U.S. Navy, government agencies, and regulatory bodies.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Direct experience as a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), Environmental Health and Safety Officer (EHSO), radiation protection technician, or similar role in maritime/subsea operations.
• Familiarity with operations involving deep sea activities from surface vessels, including deck operations and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
• Familiarity with ongoing federal agency efforts to regulate advanced nuclear maritime applications.

Job Functions

• Position requires in-office presence in Washington, D.C. (Mt. Vernon/Chinatown) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, remote work is optional on Mondays and Fridays
• Travel: Travel is required, 15-20%
• 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 $140,000-$190,000. 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
• Employer HSA contributions
• Transit benefits to put toward commuting expenses
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Relocation assistance
• 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).