Space Licensing Program Manager - Zeno Power

Company Overview

Zeno Power's (Zeno) mission is to provide clean, plug-and-play power anywhere in the universe. To do that, Zeno is developing a next-generation radioisotope power system (RPS) that generates carbon-free, resilient power for decades, utilizing material found in nuclear waste. Zeno's technology is both light-weight and cost-effective compared to historic RPS, opening up broad market opportunities in space and terrestrially. To bring this breakthrough technology to market, 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.

Space Licensing Program Manager

Zeno Power is seeking a highly motivated Program Manager to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power System (RPS) technologies. This position will report to the Director of Space and Planetary Regulation. This role will manage and coordinate current and future licensing efforts for RPS used in space applications. This role will have responsibility managing several contractors; ensuring that necessary resources are made available; managing group level budgets; and building positive relationships with key stakeholder organizations.

In this role you will:

• Lead the process to secure launch approval and licensing for spacecraft using novel radioisotope-powered sources.
• Coordinate the launch safety process, including Safety Analysis Reports, FAA Payload Review, launch licensing, NEPA review, spaceport authorizations, and range safety.
• Evaluate, make recommendations to management, and implement proposed space RPS licensing strategies.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including launch vehicle providers, spaceports, customers, and licensing support consultants.
• Interact with government agencies such as the FAA, DOD, NASA, the Interagency Nuclear Safety Review Board, NRC, FCC, NOAA, and others as necessary.
• Draft and review regulatory analyses across the mission lifecycle, including pre-launch, launch, orbital operations, and end-of-life phases.
• Work cross-functionally with engineering, regulatory team, and external contractors, including regulatory teams of launch vehicle providers, spaceports, and customer spacecraft.
• Support launch safety testing processes, documentation, and regulatory review.
• Able to meet deadlines and perform under pressure in an uncertain environment.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in space policy, aerospace, nuclear, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in industry or government role tied to highly regulated technologies.
• Experience in securing licenses or approvals for nuclear, space, or other first-of-a-kind technologies.
• Ability to work independently and lead complex projects with moderate supervision.
• Ability to navigate regulatory challenges and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly to various stakeholders.
• Familiarity with safety analyses, environmental impact assessments, and relevant regulatory standards.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Advanced degree in nuclear, space, law, or a related field.
• Relevant experience in launch operations, in-space operations, and/or space regulatory compliance.
• Expertise in performance-based regulation and/or space mission planning.

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: Up to 25% 
• 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 $120,000-170,000. 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
• Annual employee wellness reimbursement and office supply stipend
• Transit benefits to put toward commuting expenses 
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Relocation assistance

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).