Hot Cell Operator
Zeno Power · Sunol, CA · United States · On-site
Posted Aug 19, 2026
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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.
Hot Cell Operator
Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Hot Cell Operator to support the mission-oriented efforts of fabricating and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. Reporting directly to Zeno’s site management, the Hot Cell Operator will safely operate shielded hot cell equipment and remote-handling tooling to process, package, and transfer radioactive materials, and perform other radiological work at our Radiological Facility in Sunol, California.
In this role you will:
Safely operate hot cell equipment, including manipulators, cranes, and remote tooling, to handle and process radioactive materials.
Perform radioisotope handling, packaging, and material transfer operations in accordance with approved procedures.
Conduct pre- and post-operation equipment inspections, including manipulators, viewing windows, shielding, and containment systems.
Execute work under approved radiological work permits and coordinate with Radiation Protection technicians to maintain ALARA principles during all hot cell operations.
Perform routine and non-routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs on hot cell equipment and remote tooling.
Document work performed, including data logs, operating records, and material tracking, in accordance with facility procedures and regulatory requirements.
Support process development, mock-up training, and dry-run activities for new or non-routine hot cell operations.
Participate in pre-job briefings, post-job reviews, and plans of the day/week meetings, as appropriate.
Identify and report abnormal conditions, near misses, and equipment issues to facility leadership.
Maintain a clean, organized, and contamination-free hot cell work area.
Participate in self-assessments, audits, and regulatory inspections as needed.
Key Qualifications and Skills
H.S. diploma or equivalent required; A.S. or B.S. in a technical or…