Direct Procurement Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Radiant is an El Segundo, CA-based startup building the world’s first mass-produced, portable nuclear microreactors. The company’s first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to 5 years without refueling. Portable nuclear power with rapid-deploy capability can replace similar-sized diesel generators and provide critical asset support for hospitals, data centers, remote sites, and military bases. Radiant’s unique, practical approach to nuclear development leverages modern software engineering to rapidly deliver safe, factory-built microreactors that use existing, well-qualified materials. Founded in 2020, Radiant is on track to test its first reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory this summer, with initial customer deliveries beginning in 2028.

Radiant is seeking a proactive and strategic Direct Procurement Manager to lead the sourcing, negotiation, and acquisition of components, materials, and services essential for our innovative micro-reactor systems. This role is pivotal in establishing and maintaining a resilient, cost-effective, and reliable supply base. As Procurement Manager, you will collaborate closely with our Supplier Development Engineers (SDEs), Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Operations teams to ensure suppliers not only meet stringent quality and technical requirements but also commercial and delivery expectations. The ideal candidate excels in a fast-paced environment, possesses strong negotiation skills, and understands the complexities of sourcing within regulated industries.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Strategic Sourcing: Lead the identification, evaluation, and selection of potential suppliers based on cost, quality, reliability, capacity, and strategic fit, in collaboration with SDE and Engineering teams.

• Negotiation: Spearhead commercial negotiations for pricing, payment terms, lead times, and other key contract terms to achieve optimal value for Radiant.

• Contract Management: Develop, review, and manage supplier agreements, including Master Supply Agreements (MSAs), Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), and Purchase Order terms and conditions.

• Purchase Order Management: Oversee the complete purchase order lifecycle, from requisition review and PO placement to tracking, expediting, and closure, ensuring timely delivery of goods and services and adherence to agreed-upon quality clauses.

• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong commercial relationships with key suppliers, acting as a primary point of contact for contractual and commercial matters.

• Cost Analysis & Optimization: Analyze market trends, supplier quotations, and total cost of ownership to identify cost-saving opportunities and drive cost reduction initiatives.

• Risk Management: Assess and mitigate commercial and supply chain risks, including supplier financial health, capacity constraints, and geopolitical factors.

• Performance Monitoring: Track and report on key procurement metrics, such as on-time delivery, cost savings, purchase price variance, and supplier responsiveness. Collaborate with SDEs on holistic supplier performance scorecards.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work seamlessly with SDEs to integrate technical and quality requirements into the sourcing and procurement process. Liaise with Engineering, Quality, and Project Management to understand needs, resolve supply issues, and support program timelines.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to the development and refinement of procurement policies, procedures, and systems to enhance efficiency and compliance.

Deliverables:

• Successfully negotiated contracts and favorable terms with critical suppliers.

• Managed portfolio of purchase orders ensuring on-time delivery aligned with project schedules.

• Demonstrated cost savings and avoidance through effective negotiation and sourcing strategies.

• Comprehensive supplier performance reports focusing on commercial and delivery metrics.

• Effective mitigation plans for identified supply chain risks.

• Streamlined procurement processes supporting Radiant's operational needs.

• Strong collaborative relationships established internally (SDE, Eng, QA, Operations) and externally (suppliers).

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.

• 3–8 years of relevant experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management, preferably within manufacturing or technology sectors.

• Proven track record of successful negotiation and contract management.

• Strong understanding of procurement processes (e.g., RFQ/RFP, PO management, supplier evaluation).

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and standard office software.

• Ability and willingness to travel occasionally to supplier locations (up to 30%).

Desired Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience conducting supplier audits, product and process inspections, and investigations.

• Familiarity with quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100) and their implications for procurement.

• Understanding of supply chain dynamics within the energy or nuclear sector.

 Additional Requirements:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish our mission.

• Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ.

• Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees.

• Medical: 100% up to base silver level plan for employee + 50% dependents, offers up to Platinum plans.

• One Medical: Sponsored memberships for employees and their dependents.

• Vision: 100% top tier plan coverage + 50% for dependents.

• Dental: 100% top tier plan coverage, orthodontia extra, 50% for dependents.

• Voluntary life, accident, hospital, critical illness, commuter and FSA/HSA are offered as employee contributed benefits.

• 8-weeks of paid parental leave for all parents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees.

• Daily catered lunch. Free snacks and drinks.

• Flexible PTO policy. Remote workday allocation.

• Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and in-person camaraderie.

• Beautiful El Segundo headquarters close to the Pacific Ocean.

Total Compensation and Benefits
Radiant compensates people for impact and invests in those who continue to raise the bar. Radiant’s new hire compensation package includes base salary, substantial equity grants, and comprehensive health benefits. Total compensation and level are determined through a rigorous evaluation of interview performance, experience, education, and qualifications, and are designed to support continued growth as scope, responsibility, and impact expand at Radiant.
The best of today’s advanced reactor builders don’t wait for job postings. They join the winning team. If that’s you, contact us directly for immediate opportunities: recruiting@radiantnuclear.com.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

Compensation Range: $85.5K - $168K