Hot Cell Operator

Job description

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. Hot Cell Operator Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Hot Cell Operator to support the mission-oriented efforts of fabricating and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. Reporting directly to Zeno’s site management, the Hot Cell Operator will safely operate shielded hot cell equipment and remote-handling tooling to process, package, and transfer radioactive materials, and perform other radiological work at our Radiological Facility in Sunol, California. In this role you will: Safely operate hot cell equipment, including manipulators, cranes, and remote tooling, to handle and process radioactive materials. Perform radioisotope handling, packaging, and material transfer operations in accordance with approved procedures. Conduct pre- and post-operation equipment inspections, including manipulators, viewing windows, shielding, and containment systems. Execute work under approved radiological work permits and coordinate with Radiation Protection technicians to maintain ALARA principles during all hot cell operations. Perform routine and non-routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs on hot cell equipment and remote tooling. Document work performed, including data logs, operating records, and material tracking, in accordance with facility procedures and regulatory requirements. Support process development, mock-up training, and dry-run activities for new or non-routine hot cell operations. Participate in pre-job briefings, post-job reviews, and plans of the day/week meetings, as appropriate. Identify and report abnormal conditions, near misses, and equipment issues to facility leadership. Maintain a clean, organized, and contamination-free hot cell work area. 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 a technical or nuclear-related field preferred. 1+ years of experience operating hot cells, glove boxes, or other remote-handling equipment in a nuclear or radiological environment. Demonstrated proficiency with master-slave manipulators and remote-handling tooling. Working knowledge of radiological work controls, ALARA principles, and contamination control practices. Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting skills. Able to meet deadlines and perform under pressure in an uncertain environment. Ability to follow detailed written procedures precisely and maintain accurate operating records. Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience at a DOE or NRC/Agreement State regulated facility. Experience with radioisotope production, encapsulation, or RPS/RTG fabrication processes. Working knowledge of radiation detection instrumentation. Job Functions Position requires daily, hands-on presence at Zeno's Radiological Facility in Sunol, California Travel: <5% Motor Abilities: Standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, reaching, grasping/gripping, sustained fine motor control (hands) for manipulator operation Physical exertion and/or requirements: Moderate, with ability to safely lift up to 40 pounds and don/doff respiratory and anti-contamination PPE as required Repetitive work: Prolonged Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work; ability to work through viewing windows and remote camera systems for extended periods Work Conditions: Stairs, standard shielded-cell/high-bay working environment of >8 hrs./day Must be able to work in radiologically controlled areas, including airborne radioactivity areas, wear required respiratory protection, and comply with facility and safety requirements Compensation and Benefits The anticipated hourly range for this position is $45.67/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). Applicant Privacy Notice (California) Last Updated: 12/23/2025 Zeno Power ("Zeno," "we," "us," or "our") values your privacy. This Applicant Privacy Notice serves as our Notice at Collection and Applicant Privacy Notice for job applicants and explains how we collect, use, disclose, and retain personal information when you apply for a position with us. It also describes your rights under applicable privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act ("CCPA/CPRA"). The practices described in this Notice cover the preceding 12 months. 1. Personal Information We Collect When you apply for a position, we may collect the following categories of personal information: Identifiers (e.g., name, email address, phone number) Professional or employment-related information (e.g., resume, cover letter, work history, education, references) Application and interview materials (e.g., interview notes, assessments, correspondence) Information related to your eligibility to work in the United States Any other information you voluntarily provide during the application process We may collect sensitive personal information as defined under the CCPA/CPRA. We collect and use such information only as permitted by applicable law and solely for purposes related to evaluating your application, determining eligibility for employment, and complying with legal obligations. 2. Purposes for Collection We collect and use applicant personal information for the following purposes: Recruiting and evaluating candidates for employment Communicating with you about your application Conducting interviews and assessments Verifying qualifications, references, and eligibility to work Complying with legal, regulatory, and reporting obligations, including equal employment opportunity laws Improving our hiring and recruiting processes 3. Sources of Personal Information We collect personal information directly from you, as well as from: References you provide Recruiting platforms or applicant tracking systems Background check providers, where applicable and permitted by law 4. Disclosure of Personal Information We may disclose applicant personal information to: Internal personnel involved in the hiring process Service providers that assist with recruiting, hiring, or background checks Government authorities, where required by law Zeno does not sell or share (as those terms are defined under the CCPA/CPRA) applicant personal information. 5. Retention of Personal Information We retain applicant personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Notice, including complying with applicable legal and regulatory obligations. If you are hired, your information will become part of your personnel file and will be retained in accordance with applicable laws and company policies. 6. Your Privacy Rights Depending on your location, including if you are a California resident, you may have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information, subject to applicable legal exceptions, and to not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights. To exercise these rights or ask questions about this Applicant Privacy Notice, please contact Zeno Power using the contact information available on our website. 7. Automated Decision-Making Zeno does not use automated decision-making technology to make employment decisions without human involvement. 8. Contact Us If you have questions about this Applicant Privacy Notice or our privacy practices, , please contact Zeno Power using the contact information available on our website.