Laboratory Operations Assistant (Contract)

Please Note: This position is not expected to start until January 2026 at the earliest. We anticipate there may be intermittent interviews during the holiday season, we will be scheduling around team and candidate availability to accommodate holiday schedules. We encourage interested candidates to apply now.

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.

Laboratory Operations Assistant - Contractor

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Operations Assistant - Contractor to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. This position will be reporting to the Laboratory Operations Manager.

In this role you will:

• Maintain accurate inventory logs, track material levels, and reorder supplies to prevent shortages.
• Receive incoming shipments of lab materials and equipment, verify shipment accuracy against purchase orders, and ensure proper documentation and storage of all lab materials and equipment. .
• Prepare and deliver shipment packages to carriers.
• Coordinate and submit purchasing requests for the lab.
• Conduct routine safety equipment inspections.
• Support lab cleanliness and ensure compliance with internal SOPs and safety guidelines.
• As time permits, assist in the verification and basic calibration checks of laboratory equipment.
• Provide operational support during audits or inspections as needed.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in a scientific or technical field preferred with 1-2 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience with inventory management.
• Prior experience in warehouse or lab operations is preferred.
• Familiarity with lab safety standards (chemical handling, PPE use) is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and documentation abilities.
• Ability to follow SOPs and maintain compliance standards.
• Basic computer literacy (Excel, inventory tracking software)

Job Functions

• Position requires in-office presence in Seattle (South Lake Union) Monday-Friday, with option to occasionally work from home on Mondays and Fridays with Manager approval
• Travel: None
• 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
• Contract Duration: 6 months

Compensation

The anticipated hourly rate for this position is $25-35/hr. The final pay-rate 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.

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).