Sourcing Specialist (Contractor)

Company Overview

Zeno Power’s (Zeno) mission is to provide clean, plug-and-play power anywhere in the universe. To do that, Zeno is developing a next-generation radioisotope power system (RPS) that generates carbon-free, resilient power for decades, utilizing material found in nuclear waste. Zeno’s technology is both light-weight and cost-effective compared to historic RPS, opening up broad market opportunities in space and terrestrially. To bring this breakthrough technology to market, 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.

Sourcing Specialist (Contractor)

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Sourcing Specialist to support the mission-oriented efforts of developing and bringing to market Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) technologies. 

In this role you will:

• Coordinate sourcing for both direct and indirect procurements, processing requisitions, RFx processes, approvals, and supplier contracts to move procurements forward.
• Forecast demand, evaluate capacity, and manage supply chain activities, including monitoring high-risk components, delivery performance, and adjusting material flow.
• Interpret engineering drawings and BOMs to support sourcing strategies for both custom mechanical and COTS hardware.
• Develop and maintain a preferred supplier network to minimize cost, lead time, and risk, while managing outsourced fabrication projects and vendor performance.
• Negotiate effectively to maximize value, savings, and supply assurance; ensure supplier performance to contractual obligations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g. engineering, project management, supply chain) on material selection, qualification, and schedule alignment.
• Create sourcing strategies, contribute to new processes and systems, and apply creativity and sound business judgment to solve complex procurement challenges.

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or 4–5 years’ experience in procurement, supply chain, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of RFx, BOM management, demand planning, and lead-time analysis.
• Experience working closely with engineering teams and interpreting technical requirements.
• Track record of results in procurement/supply chain, with quantifiable cost savings or performance improvements.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and effective under pressure in a fast-changing environment.
• Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills across all levels of an organization.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize, and influence vendor and leadership decisions.\

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in aerospace, manufacturing, or standing up new procurement processes.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and managing BOMs, work orders, and requisitions.
• Knowledge of machining, sheet metal, coatings, and common fabrication processes.
• Certifications such as APICS or Six Sigma a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work in ambiguous situations and self-learn new tools/techniques.

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: <10% 
• 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  

The anticipated hourly rate for this position is $45- $55/hr. The final pay-rate 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. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Export Control

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).