Purchasing Buyer, Senior

1 day ago

United States Blackwing Full-time
At Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable—unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future. We're looking for an experienced Senior Procurement & Supply Chain Specialist to manage the procurement and supply chain operations that power Valar's reactor construction and fuel fabrication programs. You'll serve as a key partner across engineering, operations, and project teams, ensuring suppliers, contracts, and material deliveries are aligned with aggressive project milestones. The right person combines deep procurement expertise with strong commercial judgment, is comfortable owning complex sourcing initiatives from strategy through execution, and is energized by building efficient supply chain processes that enable a fast-growing company to execute with speed and confidence. As part of the Manufacturing organization, Supply Chain secures the materials, equipment, and supplier partnerships required to support manufacturing and business operations. The team builds resilient supply chains while ensuring quality, cost, and delivery performance. Own the procurement of process and power plant equipment, specialized nuclear components, and construction materials supporting the Ward250 reactor program and fuel laboratory, from purchase order through delivery. Process purchase orders and requisitions, and maintain procurement databases and tracking systems so order and delivery status is always clear. Track and expedite critical and long-lead equipment deliveries, anticipating risks and resolving delivery issues before they affect the construction schedule. Support sourcing and supplier selection, including bid evaluations and vendor qualification, in partnership with Procurement Engineering. Coordinate shipping, logistics, and delivery scheduling with project teams and construction managers, including international freight, customs, and Incoterms. Escalate supply chain risks, delays, and larger sourcing or contract decisions to procurement leadership with clear options and recommendations. Ensure procurement activities comply with 10 CFR 830 nuclear quality assurance requirements and applicable trade, import, and export regulations. Support supplier audits, qualifications, and quality certifications in coordination with the QA team. Maintain procurement records, supplier performance data, and delivery metrics, and flag opportunities to improve the process. Interface with project managers and construction teams on material requirements, delivery forecasts, and receiving schedules. You can own your procurement work end-to-end and operate independently without needing day-to-day direction. You stay ahead of long-lead items and delivery risks, and you act before a slip becomes a schedule problem. You are comfortable working with engineers, project managers, QA, and construction teams, and you can speak their language. You keep accurate records and use data to track orders, suppliers, and deliveries. You are excited to grow your scope and help build the supply chain that supports large-scale nuclear infrastructure. Bachelor's or associate's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience. 3+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or expediting, including industrial or construction procurement. Hands-on experience with purchase order processing, vendor management, and logistics coordination. Experience expediting and tracking long-lead and critical-path equipment deliveries. Proficiency with ERP systems, procurement software, and the Microsoft Office Suite, including strong Excel skills. Experience in nuclear, aerospace, power generation, or other regulated, capital-intensive industries. Knowledge of nuclear quality assurance standards, including 10 CFR 830. Experience with process and power plant equipment and complex process systems. Familiarity with construction project procurement and scheduling. APICS or other supply chain management certification. Knowledge of global supply chains, Incoterms, and customs regulations, and experience working with freight forwarders, shipping lines, and customs brokers. Interest in growing into a procurement leadership role as Valar scales. Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company Comprehensive medical benefits The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other pro