Sourcing Specialist

Zeno Power is the leading developer of nuclear batteries – compact power systems that provide reliable, clean energy in frontier environments. By harnessing the heat from radioisotopes, Zeno’s batteries power critical missions on Earth, in space, and at sea. To bring this technology to market by 2027, 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.

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 indirect and direct procurements.
• Process requisitions, coordinate the RFx process and monitor approval processes to move procurements forward.
• Forecast demand, evaluate capacity, and manage supply chain to adjust incoming material
• Track high risk components and supplier delivery performance
• Interpret engineering drawings and BOMs for use in sourcing activities
• Create sourcing strategies for all mechanical custom and COTS hardware
• Develop a preferred supplier network and leverage it to minimize cost and lead time for the fabrication and delivery of parts
• Manage outsource fabrication projects including planning, coordinating with stakeholders, estimating completion, and manage vendor performance
• Ensure performance of the supplier to contract obligations
• Understand interrelationships between contracts and terms while applying creativity and sound business reasoning to interpret application of contract to business needs
• Utilize negotiations to maximize value and cost savings benefit while lowering risk
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to support material selection and qualification

• Bachelor’s degree or 4-5 years of experience working in purchasing, procurement, material planning, production planning, supply chain management, or engineering in a supply chain/procurement role.
• Strong understanding and practical application of the RFx and BOM process
• Experience forecasting, demand planning, and lead time analysis
• Experience working closely with engineering professionals and environment
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and everchanging environment.
• Communicate sourcing status, supplier risks, tradeoffs, and recommendations clearly to suppliers and internal stakeholders, including engineering, operations, and senior leaders, to support timely decision-making.
• Manage multiple sourcing activities and changing priorities while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong track record for achieving results; must be able to reference wins and quantify impact.
• Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills
• Exercise sound judgment and work independently with minimal direction, escalating issues and decisions appropriately.

• Position requires in-office presence in Seattle (South Lake Union) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, remote work is optional on Mondays and Fridays
• Travel: None 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

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.

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.

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).