Deep Ocean Engineering Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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.

VP of Marketing

Zeno Power is building the future of space and deep ocean nuclear power systems-technology that will enable humanity's next giant leap. Our nuclear batteries will soon be powering critical missions from the seabed to the lunar surface.

As we continue to scale in an increasingly competitive nuclear startup landscape, we need a brand leader who can build a world-class marketing function from strong fundamentals. Someone who knows how to translate complex hardware into compelling narrative, build credibility across defense and commercial audiences, and create marketing infrastructure that evolves as the company grows.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the public identity of a company working on technology that will power exploration of the deep sea and the solar system. We're looking for someone who has built brands, led teams, and driven growth at hardware companies operating in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

What You'll Do

Build the Brand

• Develop and execute comprehensive brand strategy that positions Zeno as the category leader in nuclear batteries
• Define and evolve Zeno's brand identity, voice, and narrative across all channels
• Translate complex nuclear technology into clear, compelling storytelling

Own the Marketing Engine

• Develop and implement an integrated marketing strategy across PR, content, digital, events, and partnerships
• Launch bold, unconventional marketing campaigns that generate organic attention and conversation
• Lead product launches, major announcements, and partnership reveals that drive awareness, engagement, and qualified demand
• Create the systems and processes required to scale marketing as the company grows

Drive Market Adoption

• Develop go-to-market strategies for Zeno's nuclear batteries, ensuring tight alignment between the engineering, business development, and marketing teams
• Translate highly technical engineering capabilities into compelling, accessible value propositions for investors, commercial customers, and government partners
• Build the sales enablement toolkit-creating the high-impact decks, one-pagers and product positioning needed to close massive deals

Lead Content & Storytelling

• Turn technical progress into high-quality content - across web, social, media, and long-form
• Develop messaging frameworks and talking points that make complex technology accessible
• Maintain message discipline across all external communications

Amplify Executives & Thought Leadership

• Build Zeno's presence in key industry, policy, and media conversations
• Partner with CEO Tyler Bernstein to build his executive platform and thought leadership presence
• Prepare executives for high-impact speaking and media opportunities

Lead the Team

• Mentor and grow a high-performing marketing team
• Manage agencies and external partners
• Set a high bar for execution, speed, and craft

Required Experience

• 10+ years of marketing and communications experience.
• 3-5+ years building brand strategy from the ground up at early-stage or high-growth companies.
• Deep experience with hardware companies, including the unique challenges of marketing physical products with long development cycles.
• Senior-level strategic thinking with a track record of measurable brand-building success.
• Demonstrated experience translating complex technical concepts into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Proven track record of building, motivating, and developing high-performing teams.

Preferred Experience

• Creative fearlessness - you've launched campaigns that made people talk, whether through humor, audacity, or emotional resonance.
• Comfort with ambiguity and scrappiness - you can build something from nothing with limited resources.
• Understanding of defense, aerospace, or deep tech ecosystems.
• Native fluency in social media dynamics, particularly X culture.
• Executive presence and coaching ability - you can work effectively with founders and C-suite leaders.
• Genuine passion for the mission - accelerating humanity's expansion into new frontiers, from the seabed to the lunar surface.
• Experience working with technical founders or scientists.
• Background in community building or grassroots movement creation.
• Track record of securing earned media in top-tier outlets.
• Video production or content creation skills.
• Experience in highly regulated or sensitive industries.

Job Functions

• Position requires in-office presence in Seattle (South Lake Union) or Washington, D.C. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; remote work is optional on Mondays and Fridays.
• Travel: Travel is required, 25-40%.
• 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 $180,000-$250,000. 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).