Procurement Operations Specialist

Location: Oak Brook, IL or Washington, D.C.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid | Four days on-site per week

Help Build the Future of Procurement at NANO Nuclear Energy

The Opportunity

Looking for more ownership, greater visibility, and the opportunity to build something from the ground up?

At NANO Nuclear Energy, you'll play a key role in establishing our procurement and supply chain function while supporting the development of next-generation nuclear technology.

As one of the team's first hires, you'll report directly to the Director of Procurement & Supply Chain, take ownership of daily procurement operations, and help design the processes, systems, and controls that will support our growth.

This is more than a traditional procurement role. You'll have the autonomy to improve how things work, collaborate directly with leadership, and help build a function with opportunities for future leadership responsibility.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Build from the Ground Up: Establish procurement processes, systems, and operating procedures.
• Ownership & Autonomy: Manage the full procurement lifecycle and drive operational improvements.
• Leadership Exposure: Work directly with procurement leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Technology & Innovation: Help implement ERP systems, automation, and procurement reporting.
• Career Growth: Position yourself for future procurement operations leadership as the organization expands.

What You'll Do

• Manage Procurement Operations: Own the purchasing lifecycle from requisitions and purchase orders through receiving, invoice reconciliation, and closeout.
• Coordinate Sourcing & Contracts: Partner with Supply Chain Engineers on RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, supplier communications, bid evaluations, NDAs, and commercial agreements.
• Ensure Compliance: Maintain qualified supplier records, procurement documentation, regulatory flow-downs, export control screening, and audit readiness, including support for DOE/NRC audits and federal reporting.
• Build Procurement Infrastructure: Develop standardized procedures, templates, approval workflows, and supplier onboarding processes.
• Implement Technology: Support ERP and procurement system selection, configuration, testing, and implementation.
• Drive Operational Performance: Track purchasing activity, contract obligations, supplier performance, and key metrics while identifying opportunities for efficiency and automation.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Legal, Accounting, and Corporate Development to resolve issues and keep procurement activities moving.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of procurement, purchasing, or contract administration experience in nuclear, energy, defense, aerospace, or another highly regulated industry.
• Experience managing purchase orders, RFIs/RFQs/RFPs, contracts, and procurement documentation.
• Knowledge of commercial agreements, NDAs, payment terms, change orders, and procurement controls.
• Experience with ERP/procurement platforms such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or Coupa.
• Advanced Excel skills, strong organizational abilities, and the confidence to work independently across multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Nuclear quality programs, including 10 CFR 50 Appendix B or NQA-1.
• ERP implementation, process mapping, workflow automation, or continuous improvement.
• Export control regulations (EAR, ITAR, 10 CFR Part 810) and restricted-party screening.
• Federal procurement requirements, including DOE programs, FAR, and DFARS.
• Lean/Six Sigma, contract lifecycle management tools, or certifications such as CPSM, CPPB, or CIPS.
• Experience building procurement processes in an early-stage or high-growth organization.

Compensation & Benefits

Annual Base Salary: $135,000–$150,000

NANO Nuclear Energy offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Hybrid Schedule: 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 a procurement professional who enjoys taking ownership, improving processes, and building something meaningful, we'd welcome the opportunity to connect.

Apply today and help shape the future of procurement at NANO Nuclear Energy!