Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer

About the Role

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. The Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer will be reporting to the Analysis Manager.

In This Role You Will

• Lead thermal analysis efforts across the full product lifecycle, from early concept and trade studies through detailed modeling, qualification, and correlation with test data.
• Develop and execute steady-state and transient thermal analyses using FEA-based methods at the component, subsystem, and system levels to support RPS and associated hardware.
• Build, maintain, and refine high-fidelity thermal models using CAD-integrated CAE and finite-element techniques, including complex geometries, interfaces, and material behavior.
• Apply first-principles heat transfer and thermodynamics to guide model formulation, validate FEA results, and assess margins, sensitivities, and risk.
• Define thermal requirements, environments, boundary conditions, and acceptance criteria, and support verification and validation through analysis and testing.
• Perform sensitivity studies and design trades using analytical and FEA-based approaches to improve performance, robustness, and manufacturability while balancing cost and schedule constraints.
• Correlate FEA thermal predictions with experimental data (e.g., thermal-vacuum, environmental, or qualification testing) and update models to improve predictive fidelity.
• Partner closely with mechanical, electrical, systems, test, and materials engineers to ensure thermal considerations are fully integrated into overall system design.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship on thermal analysis topics, including best practices for FEA modeling, assumptions, and interpretation of results.
• Define and manage thermal scope for external vendors, including requirements definition, model review, progress tracking, and technical evaluation of deliverables.
• Communicate results clearly and accurately through written reports, design reviews, and oral presentations to internal teams, leadership, customers, and external stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement of thermal analysis methods, tools, and workflows, including development or enhancement of internal FEA-based tools and automation.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for innovation in thermal architecture, modeling approaches, and analysis capability to support future programs.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) with 7+ years of thermal analysis experience, M.S degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) with 5+ years of thermal analysis experience, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) with 3+ years of thermal analysis experience.
• Proficiency with finite-element–based thermal analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS Workbench, Thermal Desktop, or equivalent platforms).
• Experience developing both high-fidelity and reduced-order thermal models to balance accuracy, speed, and program needs.
• Demonstrated ability to identify bounding cases, perform rapid assessments, and quantify the thermal impact of design decisions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical results to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to execute effectively in fast-paced, high-uncertainty environments while meeting aggressive schedules.
• Ability to work autonomously on complex technical problems while also collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience working under a Quality Assurance program such as AS9100 (or similar) preferred.
• Familiarity with Atlassian Confluence/Jira workflows.

Job Functions

• Position requires in-office presence in Seattle (South Lake Union) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, remote work is optional on Mondays and Fridays.
• Travel: Travel is required.
• 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 $145,000 - $175,000. 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
• 11 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
• Dog friendly office