Sr. Manager, Direct Procurement (Hardware)

Thanks for your interest in Oklo!  We are searching for a Sr. Manager, Direct Procurement (Hardware) to join our Procurement & Supply Chain organization. Position Description The Sr. Manager, Direct Procurement (Hardware) is responsible for developing and executing sourcing, supplier management, and procurement strategies for hardware systems critical to Oklo’s products and programs. This role leads procurement activities for complex components, assemblies, equipment, manufacturing systems, and integrated hardware solutions supporting Aurora powerhouses, fuel recycling systems, fuel fabrication capabilities, and future Oklo technologies. This role is responsible for leading a growing team of procurement professionals, developing strategic supplier relationships, negotiating complex commercial agreements, and ensuring suppliers can meet Oklo’s cost, quality, schedule, and capacity requirements. The Senior Manager partners closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Legal, and Program Management to support the successful development and deployment of Oklo’s products. This role focuses on procurement of Oklo-designed hardware systems and equipment and is distinct from procurement activities related to EPC, construction, and professional services. Specific responsibilities may include: Lead, mentor, and develop a growing team of procurement professionals responsible for direct hardware sourcing and supplier management Develop and execute procurement strategies for complex hardware systems, equipment, components, and assemblies Support procurement activities across Aurora powerhouses, fuel recycling systems, fuel fabrication capabilities, and future Oklo technologies Establish and manage competitive sourcing processes, including RFQs, RFPs, supplier evaluations, and supplier selection activities Lead commercial negotiations for strategic supplier agreements and long-term supply partnerships Develop and manage supplier relationships to support quality, delivery, capacity, and cost objectives Partner closely with Engineering teams to align sourcing strategies with product requirements, technical specifications, and development schedules Develop supplier qualification, segmentation, and performance management processes Identify and mitigate supply chain risks associated with critical hardware, long-lead equipment, and sole-source suppliers Support cost reduction initiatives, supplier cost analysis, and value engineering efforts Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives Be involved in development of scalable procurement systems, processes, and tools that support organizational growth Maintain awareness of manufacturing capabilities, supplier markets, and industry trends relevant to Oklo’s products and supply chain Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field 7+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, manufacturing, or related functions Experience sourcing complex hardware, equipment, manufacturing systems, or highly engineered products Experience leading and developing procurement, sourcing, or supply chain teams Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and supplier contracts Experience working cross-functionally with engineering and technical organizations Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supplier operations Demonstrated ability to build and manage strategic supplier relationships Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and procurement requirements U.S. citizenship required Bonus Qualifications: Experience in nuclear, aerospace, defense, energy, industrial equipment, semiconductor, or other highly regulated industries Familiarity with ASME, NQA-1, or other regulated quality environments Experience supporting new product introduction, first-of-a-kind systems, and production scale-up activities Experience with supplier cost analysis, should-cost modeling, capacity planning, and long-lead equipment procurement Experience building procurement processes within a high-growth hardware organization Competencies We are looking for a Sr. Manager, Direct Procurement (Hardware Systems) that is: Experienced in sourcing and managing suppliers for complex hardware, equipment, and manufacturing systems Skilled at developing procurement strategies that balance cost, quality, schedule, and risk Effective at negotiating commercial agreements and building long-term supplier partnerships Comfortable working closely with technical teams and understanding complex engineering requirements Capable of leading and developing high-performing procurement professionals Strong in supplier relationship management, supplier performance management, and strategic sourcing An optimist at heart Passionate about making advanced fission a reality Willing and able to learn quickly Willing to think differently and do things in new ways  Comfortable in a fast-paced, highly iterative startup environment Excited to think creatively, critically, and reflectively about the problems they are solving while not leaning only on what has been done before  Willing to propose novel and creative solutions to technical problems An excellent writer who can write in a modern active voice, so make your cover letter compelling and write it well! Able to communicate technical content and results verbally Who you are: A startup person : You aren't driven by titles or hierarchy, and prefer efficiency to excess process. You don't need or expect to have a lot of guidance but you enjoy working in a fast-paced team. If you prefer the culture and feel of a large organization, that is great, but you likely won’t enjoy working with us! There is plenty of important work and plenty of good opportunities with organizations like that. Motivated : You are self-motivated. Yo