Principal Structural Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

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/Principal Structural Analyst

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Senior/Principal Structural Analyst to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. This role will be reporting to the Analysis Manager.

In this role you will:

• Perform detailed mechanical and structural analyses of Radioisotope Power System (RPS) structures, subsystems, and components across all program phases-from early concept and prototype to qualification and flight hardware.
• Evaluate mechanical performance against structural limits, regulatory requirements, and applicable design and pressure vessel codes (ASME BPVC, AWS D1.1, etc.).
• Apply NASA structural design and verification standards (e.g., NASA-STD-5001, NASA-STD-5012, NASA-HDBK-7004, NASA-STD-7009) to ensure compliance with flight-class structural integrity, safety factors, and analysis documentation practices.
• Assess component margins and performance under mechanical, thermal, and acoustic environments using static, model, vibration, and explicit dynamic analyses.
• Document findings and provide guidance through clear, traceable analysis reports that conform with Zeno Power technical writing standards.
• Develop test requirements and plans to validate analytical results; correlate test data to analytical models and update predictions as required.
• Provide oversight and mentorship to internal analysts, review vendor and partner analysis deliverables for technical accuracy, compliance, and quality consistency.
• Provide input and guidance to mechanical design teams to inform component sizing, subsystem configuration, and material selection.
• Collaborate closely with systems, materials, and test engineers to ensure robust, manufacturable, and testable hardware designs.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited university (M.S. preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in structural analysis including steady state, random vibration, and thermal environments for aerospace or nuclear systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency and deep understanding of FEA tools (ANSYS Mechanical preferred; Abaqus, Nastran, or LS-DYNA a plus).
• Strong background in dynamic structural analysis, including random vibration, sine sweep, shock, and transient response.
• Experience with impact, re-entry, or launch environment analyses is a plus.
• Working knowledge of NASA standards and verification processes (NASA-STD-5001B, NASA-STD-5012, NASA-HDBK-7005, NASA-STD-7009) highly desired.
• Familiarity with fracture mechanics, fatigue life estimation, and damage tolerance principles.
• Experience generating stress reports and component margins justifications consistent with NASA or aerospace prime contractor standards.
• Working knowledge of 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar) and GD&T (ASME Y14.5) for model-based definition and analysis.
• Experience working under structured quality systems (NQA-1, AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar).
• Excellent technical writing skills and ability to present results clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Self-starter capable of leading analysis efforts with minimal supervision, thriving in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills; able to work independently or as part of a cross-functional team.

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-$185,000. 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).