Strategic Sourcing Manager

Radiant is an El Segundo CA-based startup building the worlds first mass-produced portable nuclear microreactors. The companys 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. Radiants 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.

About the Role

Radiant is seeking a proactive and technically-minded Strategic Sourcing Manager to lead the discovery qualification and development of new suppliers and manufacturing technologies in support of our micro-reactor program. This role is foundational to expanding Radiants supply base into new commodities processes and capabilities as our designs mature. Unlike a traditional buyer role this position is heavily front-end weighted finding the right suppliers before a part exists in production matching engineering intent to real-world manufacturing capability and shepherding new suppliers and parts from concept through qualification and into reliable on-time delivery. You will work closely with Engineering Supplier Development Engineers (SDEs) Quality Assurance and Operations to build Radiants supplier ecosystem from the ground up.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Supplier Discovery: Proactively identify and research new potential suppliers and manufacturing technologies across domestic and (where permissible) international markets including specialized niche or emerging process capabilities relevant to nuclear-grade hardware.

• Design-to-Supplier Matching: Partner with Engineering to interpret drawings specifications and material requirements and translate them into supplier search criteria matching part complexity tolerances materials and process needs to real supplier capability.

• Supplier Vetting & Qualification: Lead initial supplier vetting including capability assessments facility questionnaires and preliminary risk screening in coordination with SDEs and Quality on technical and quality qualification.

• Onboarding: Own the end-to-end onboarding process for new suppliers from first contact through NDA capability review and entry into Radiants approved supplier base.

• R&D & New Technology Sourcing: Research and evaluate emerging manufacturing technologies and processes (e.g. additive manufacturing novel joining/forming methods) that could unlock new sourcing pathways or de-risk critical components.

• New Part Introduction (NPI) Support: Act as the commercial and program-management thread for new parts through their qualification lifecycle coordinating purchase order issuance first articles prototype builds and pilot runs between the supplier Engineering and Quality.

• Supplier PM through Production: Once a supplier/part is qualified manage the transition into steady-state delivery issuing and managing purchase orders tracking schedule resolving early production issues and ensuring a smooth handoff toward on-time recurring delivery.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work seamlessly with SDEs on technical/quality qualification with Engineering on design intent and make/buy decisions and with Procurement/Planning on transitioning qualified suppliers into the standard sourcing and PO process.

• Market Intelligence: Maintain awareness of supply market trends capacity constraints and geopolitical risk factors affecting candidate suppliers and technologies particularly for nuclear-grade and DFARS-relevant materials and processes.

• Process Improvement: Help build and refine Radiants supplier discovery vetting and onboarding processes and tools as the sourcing function matures.

• Purchase Order Support: Assist with placing purchase orders and monitoring purchase order health (open PO aging delivery status discrepancy resolution) as needed to support program timelines.

• Supplier RCCA Support: Support Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) activities with suppliers as issues arise coordinating with SDEs and Quality to drive timely resolution and closure.

Deliverables:

• A growing pipeline of qualified capable suppliers matched to Radiants evolving design needs.

• Successfully onboarded new suppliers meeting technical quality and commercial requirements.

• New parts/technologies moved through qualification and into reliable production delivery.

• Supplier capability assessments and vetting documentation supporting sourcing decisions.

• Identified and evaluated new manufacturing technologies with clear recommendations for adoption.

• Strong collaborative relationships internally (SDE Engineering QA Procurement Operations) and externally (new suppliers).

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management Engineering Business Administration or a related field.

• 38 years of experience in strategic sourcing supplier development or new product introduction preferably within manufacturing aerospace defense or energy sectors.

• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.

• Strong track record of identifying and qualifying new suppliers particularly for complex or low-volume/high-mix components.

• Excellent analytical research and problem-solving skills.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) including comfort engaging directly with supplier engineering and operations teams.

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

• Ability and willingness to travel to supplier locations for capability assessments and audits (up to 20%40% depending on program phases).

Desired Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience in the nuclear energy aerospace or defense industries or working with nuclear codes and standards (NQA-1 10 CFR 50 Appendix B 10 CFR 21 ASME BPVC Section III & VIII).

• Familiarity with additive manufacturing precision machining forming or specialty material processing.

• Experience conducting supplier audits facility assessments or first article inspections.

• Familiarity with quality management systems (e.g. ISO 9001 AS9100) and their role in supplier qualification.

• Understanding of DFARS/ITAR-relevant sourcing constraints for regulated industries.

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. Radiants 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 todays advanced reactor builders dont wait for job postings. They join the winning team. If thats you contact us directly for immediate opportunities: .

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 applicants capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

Required Experience:

Manager