Supply Chain Engineer

Oak Brook, IL or Washington, D.C. Hybrid: Four Days On-Site | Relocation Assistance Available Help Build the Supply Chain Behind Next-Generation Nuclear Energy The Opportunity Are you an experienced Supply Chain Engineer looking for greater ownership, more complex technical challenges, and the opportunity to build something from the ground up? At NANO Nuclear Energy, you'll play a key role in establishing the procurement and supply chain function supporting our KRONOS Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) program. As one of the team's first hires, you'll take ownership of sourcing, supplier qualification, and complex contracts for critical engineered equipment and services. You'll work directly with the Director of Procurement & Supply Chain and collaborate with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Project Management, and Corporate Development. What makes this opportunity different? You won't simply manage an established supplier network. You'll help create it, evaluate suppliers' technical capabilities, negotiate high-value agreements, and establish the processes that support future projects. This is an opportunity for an experienced professional who enjoys combining technical expertise, commercial judgment, and strategic decision-making. Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Build From the Ground Up: Help establish the supplier network, procurement processes, and systems for a growing nuclear technology company.
• Meaningful Ownership: Lead critical sourcing initiatives and supplier negotiations from initial strategy through contract execution and delivery.
• Direct Leadership Exposure: Work closely with the Director of Procurement & Supply Chain, with the autonomy to develop recommendations and influence decisions.
• Technical Complexity: Evaluate suppliers and procure specialized equipment supporting advanced nuclear reactor development.
• Cross-Functional Impact: Partner directly with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Project Management, and business leadership.
• Professional Growth: Help establish the foundation of a growing team, with opportunities to mentor others and take on broader category, program, or leadership responsibilities as the organization expands.

What You'll Do

• Develop and Qualify Critical Suppliers
• Identify, evaluate, and develop suppliers for KRONOS reactor components, including reactor vessels, nuclear-grade graphite, helium circulators, heat exchangers, instrumentation and controls, and specialty fabrication.
• Assess supplier manufacturing capabilities, technical expertise, quality systems, financial stability, and production capacity.
• Partner with Quality Assurance on supplier qualification, audits, commercial grade dedication, and inspection requirements.
• Develop scalable sourcing strategies emphasizing supplier diversification, domestic content, and long-term supply chain resilience.
• Lead Strategic Sourcing and Contract Negotiations
• Develop sourcing strategies based on cost, technical requirements, lead times, supplier capabilities, and project risks.
• Manage competitive RFPs, technical and commercial evaluations, cost analysis, and supplier selection.
• Negotiate complex agreements covering pricing, delivery schedules, payment milestones, warranties, liability, intellectual property, and technical requirements.
• Establish capacity reservations and strategic supplier agreements when needed.
• Manage supplier performance throughout fabrication and delivery, proactively addressing schedule, quality, and commercial risks.
• Support Technical and Regulatory Compliance
• Review engineering specifications, drawings, and scopes of work to ensure appropriate technical, quality, and regulatory requirements are incorporated into supplier agreements.
• Coordinate with Engineering and Quality Assurance to ensure supplier deliverables meet program requirements.
• Apply export control requirements to supplier engagement, technical data sharing, and contracting.
• Support DOE, university, and customer reporting requirements.
• Help Build the Procurement Function
• Develop procurement procedures, supplier evaluation standards, contract templates, and performance metrics.
• Contribute to the selection and implementation of procurement and supplier management systems.
• Mentor future team members and help establish effective supplier management practices.
• Support business development and customer discussions involving supply chain readiness and supplier capabilities.

What You'll Bring Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a physical science.
• 10+ years of experience in engineering, procurement, or supply chain, including at least 3 years sourcing and contracting engineered equipment or services.
• Experience in nuclear, aerospace, defense, oil and gas, power generation, or another highly regulated capital-equipment environment.
• Working knowledge of nuclear quality standards, including 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, NQA-1, and Part 21, or equivalent regulated-quality frameworks.
• Demonstrated success negotiating technically complex, high-value supplier contracts.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications and evaluate supplier manufacturing capabilities.
• Experience developing scopes of work, cost and schedule models, and sourcing recommendations.
• Strong independent judgment, problem-solving skills, and the ability to identify and communicate risks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or MBA.
• Experience procuring ASME Section III, safety-related, or other nuclear-grade components.
• Experience supporting first-of-a-kind reactor or nuclear fuel programs.
• Familiarity with high-temperature gas reactor technology, graphite, helium systems, or TRISO fuel supply chains.
• Supplier qualification, auditing, or commercial grade dedication experience.
• Experience with DOE-funded programs, federal acquisition requirements, or export control compliance.
• Experience establishing procurement processes or systems within a growing organization.

Compensation & Benefits Position Salary Range: $150,000–$173,000 annually

NANO Nuclear Energy offers:

• Hybrid Work: Four days on-site per week in Oak Brook, IL or Washington, D.C.
• Relocation Assistance: Available for qualified candidates.
• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance with generous company contributions.
• Retirement: 401(k) with company matching up to 5%.
• Paid Time Away: Unlimited PTO, company holidays, and parental leave.
• Professional Development: Mentorship and opportunities to expand technical expertise and leadership capabilities.

Ready to Make an Impact? If you're an experienced engineering or supply chain professional who wants to move beyond traditional procurement and take ownership of critical supplier relationships, complex technical contracts, and the development of a new supply chain function, we'd welcome the opportunity to connect. Apply today and help build the supply chain supporting NANO Nuclear Energy's next generation of nuclear technology.