Indirect Procurement Associate

About the role

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 looking for an Indirect Procurement Associate to support sourcing and procurement of indirect goods and services — Facilities, IT, Professional Services, MRO, consumables, and R&D collaborations. This is a hands-on role for someone with strong technical instincts who wants to build skills in supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contract support. You'll work alongside Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Production, and will be paired with more senior procurement staff to develop your commercial and negotiation skill set.

Responsibilities

• Support sourcing efforts for indirect categories (IT, Professional Services, MRO, consumables, R&D collaborations) by gathering technical requirements and evaluating supplier capability against Radiant's engineering needs.
• Assist with drafting and reviewing SOWs, NDAs, and PO terms; help prepare negotiation positions for MSAs and licensing agreements under guidance from senior staff.
• Help manage facilities/MRO procurement tasks — coordinating with vendors on maintenance, repairs, equipment, and small lab build-out needs.
• Track purchase orders through the procure-to-pay cycle, flagging delays or technical mismatches early.
• Act as a day-to-day point of contact for select, lower-complexity suppliers, escalating high-stakes commercial matters to senior procurement staff.
• Contribute technical judgment to cost and quality trade-off discussions.
• Help identify supply chain risks from an engineering/technical perspective (e.g., part obsolescence, service quality issues).
• Support process documentation and improvement efforts.

Requirements

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related engineering field) strongly preferred; Supply Chain or similar degrees considered.
• 1–3 years of relevant experience; prior procurement/sourcing experience is a plus but not required.
• Strong technical/mechanical aptitude and genuine interest in the commercial side of engineering (supplier selection, cost trade-offs, contracts).
• Good analytical and organizational skills; comfortable learning negotiation and contract fundament