Hot Cell Operator

Zeno Power•Sunol, CA

5d•$46 - $60•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

H.S. diploma or equivalent required
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.
Ability to follow detailed written procedures precisely and maintain accurate operating records.
Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Position requires daily, hands-on presence at Zeno's Radiological Facility in Sunol, California
Standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, reaching, grasping/gripping, sustained fine motor control (hands) for manipulator operation
Moderate physical exertion and/or requirements, with ability to safely lift up to 40 pounds and don/doff respiratory and anti-contamination PPE as required
Prolonged repetitive work
Visual and audio focused work; ability to work through viewing windows and remote camera systems for extended periods
Stairs, standard shielded-cell/high-bay working environment of >8 hrs./day
Must be able to work in radiologically controlled areas, including airborne radioactivity areas, wear required respiratory protection, and comply with facility and safety requirements
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).

Nice To Haves

A.S. or B.S. in a technical or nuclear-related field preferred.
Experience at a DOE or NRC/Agreement State regulated facility.
Experience with radioisotope production, encapsulation, or RPS/RTG fabrication processes.
Working knowledge of radiation detection instrumentation.

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.
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.