Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer

Zeno Power•Seattle, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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

Experience working under a Quality Assurance program such as AS9100 (or similar) preferred.
Familiarity with Atlassian Confluence/Jira workflows.

Responsibilities

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.