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.

Chief of Staff

Zeno Power is seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief of Staff to work alongside the CEO and leadership team to drive operational excellence, support business development activities, and help scale the company through its next phase of growth. This is a high-impact role offering broad exposure across strategy, partnerships, and organizational operations.

The ideal candidate is a mission-driven operator who can seamlessly shift between tactical execution and strategic thinking, is deeply organized, and is energized by helping Zeno achieve its boldest goals.

In this role you will:

• Serve as a trusted advisor and operational partner to the CEO, helping drive clarity and execution on company priorities.
• Manage and drive cross-functional strategic initiatives, including goal setting, leadership planning, and major internal projects.
• Support the Business Development organization in executing Zeno’s go-to-market (GTM) strategy by coordinating internal resources, tracking progress against commercial objectives, and helping navigate key external opportunities.
• Conduct market assessments and prepare regular briefings on competitors, adjacent players, industry news, and trends relevant to Zeno’s strategic outlook.
• Draft executive memos, communications, reports, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Support preparation for Board meetings, investor communications, and external presentations, ensuring strategic alignment and operational readiness.
• Track, organize, and proactively manage the CEO’s strategic to-do list and drive high-priority follow-ups across the leadership team.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or higher required.
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience; prior experience in management consulting, business operations, business development, venture-backed startups, aerospace, clean energy, or government sectors strongly preferred.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, actionable insights.
• Strategically minded and execution-focused, with a knack for navigating and solving complex challenges.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.
• High emotional intelligence, discretion, and proven success in building trust across diverse teams.
• Mission-driven, entrepreneurial mindset with a strong sense of ownership and urgency.

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: Travel is required, 15-20%
• 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 $150,000-180,000. 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
• Employer HSA contributions
• Transit benefits to put toward commuting expenses
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Relocation assistance
• 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).