Engineering Jobs in Brainard New York

Job Description: Purchasing Agent & Sales Operations Lead (Part-Time)

Company: Zwack, Inc.

Location: Stephentown, NY

Employment Type: Part-Time (approx. 20–25 hours per week)

About Zwack, Inc.

Zwack, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned manufacturer of specialized machinery. Since 1970, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, custom engineering solutions and precision machining from our facility in Stephentown, New York. We are looking for a detail-oriented professional to join our team in a dual-capacity role focused on streamlining our supply chain and supporting our sales process.

Role Overview

This hybrid role is critical to maintaining the flow of our manufacturing operations. You will be responsible for sourcing materials and components necessary for production while simultaneously providing administrative and operational support to the sales team to ensure a seamless customer experience from quote to delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing & Inventory Management

• Sourcing: Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, and reliability.
• Order Management: Prepare and process purchase orders for raw materials (steel, aluminum, etc.), hardware, and specialized machinery components.
• Vendor Relations: Maintain and develop strong relationships with key vendors; negotiate pricing and monitor delivery schedules to ensure zero production downtime.
• Inventory Oversight: Work with our stockroom clerk and floor supervisors in monitoring stock levels to anticipate material and equipment needs.

Sales Operations

• Quoting Support: Assist in the preparation of customer quotes and RFP responses by gathering material costs and lead times.
• Order Entry: Accurately enter customer orders into our system and track progress through the manufacturing cycle.
• Customer Liaison: Act as a point of contact for customer inquiries regarding order status, shipping dates, and documentation.
• CRM/Data Management: Maintain accurate records of sales activity, customer contact information, and historical pricing data.

Qualifications

• Experience: 2+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or sales operations, preferably within a manufacturing or industrial environment. Experience with municipal procurement processes is a plus.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and experience with ERP or inventory management software.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective vendor negotiation and customer service.
• Detail-Oriented: Exceptional organizational skills with a high level of accuracy in data entry and documentation.
• Vendor Knowledge: Familiarity with the metal, highway equipment and industrial supply landscape is a plus.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible part-time scheduling to support work-life balance.
• A stable, collaborative work environment within a long-standing family business.
• High Impact: Opportunity to play a key role in the operational efficiency of a specialized manufacturer.

Compensation & Benefits Package

We offer a compensation and benefits package designed to recognize your expertise and dedication: 

Starting Wage: $18 - $27 per hour (Based on experience and skill level)

Schedule: Part-Time, Day Shift: Monday - Friday, flexible within the hours of 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Retirement: 401(k) Plan with a generous company matching contribution

Time Off: Paid PTO starting your first year (incl. an annual summer shut-down), Sick Time, and a Generous Paid Holiday Schedule

Financial Perks: Annual performance-based bonuses and bi-annual compensation reviews

Work Environment: On-the-job training and continuing education, holiday and summer company events

Zwack, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interested? Apply in person at our Stephentown facility or submit your resume via office @

Job Title : Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component : Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards.

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design, reactor physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves, instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control, radiation shielding, and chemistry and radiological controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners; coordinate with fleet units to ensure safe and reliable nuclear plant operation.

What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role rather than operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and shipyard issues; frequent coordination with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for attention to detail, judgment, and written and oral communication.

Work Environment Work mainly at Naval Reactors Headquarters in the Washington, District of Columbia area with regular engagement with Department of Energy laboratories, nuclear training sites, shipyards, and nuclear powered ships and submarines; office based work that includes document reviews, technical meetings, inspections, and site visits rather than day to day shipboard watchstanding.

Pathways, Training & Advancement Officer commissioning through programs such as Officer Candidate School or the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program followed by a structured technical qualification program at Naval Reactors; rotational exposure to laboratories, prototypes, shipyards, and fleet support issues; progressive responsibility leading projects and becoming a subject matter expert, with opportunities for professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields.

Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for those who already hold qualifying degrees; all applicants must meet Nuclear Propulsion Program academic and technical screening standards in addition to general officer commissioning requirements.

Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include: Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor's or qualifying professional degree for officer positions Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy.

Some communities have more restrictive age ranges Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include: Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field that includes strong backgrounds in calculus and physics; outstanding academic record, particularly in technical coursework; United States citizenship and eligibility for a high level security clearance; strong technical aptitude and comfort with detailed analytical work.

Education Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities.

Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy.

Pay, Benefits & Service Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options.

Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.

Incentives Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed.

Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.

Notes and Disclaimers This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community.

It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes.

Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.