Hot Cell Operator

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• C 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.

Requirements

• H.S. diploma or equivalent required; A.S. or B.S. in a technical or nuclear-related field preferred.
• 1+ years of experience operating hot cells, glove boxes, or other remote-handling equipment in a nuclear or radiological environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency with master-slave manipulators and remote-handling tooling.
• Working knowledge of radiological work controls, ALARA principles, and contamination control practices.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting skills.
• Able to meet deadlines and perform under pressure in an uncertain environment.
• Able to follow detailed written procedures precisely and maintain accurate operating records.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Skills

• Experience at a DOE or NRC/Agreement State regulated facility (preferred).
• Experience with radioisotope production, encapsulation, or RPS/RTG fabrication processes (preferred).
• Working knowledge of radiation detection instrumentation (preferred).

Qualifications

• Experience operating hot cells, glove boxes, or other remote-handling equipment in a nuclear or radiological environment.
• Proficiency with master-slave manipulators and remote-handling tooling.
• Knowledge of radiological work controls, ALARA principles, and contamination control practices.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting skills.
• Able to meet deadlines and perform under pressure in an uncertain environment.
• Able to follow detailed written procedures precisely and maintain accurate operating records.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

In addition to competitive compensation, we also offer a generous benefits package, which includes:

• Stock options
• Generous PTO
• 401k plan with employer match
• 16 weeks of paid family leave
• 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

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated hourly range for this position is $45.67/hour - $60.10/hour. 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.