Strategic Buyer & Planner – High-Tech Hardware Startup

U.S. Fusion Energy; Energy (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Employee equity stock options

20 days PTO

Job summary

Thea Energy is seeking a highly motivated Buyer/Planner to manage day-to-day material requirements and procurement for our commercial fusion systems. You will manage BOMs, source suppliers, and oversee orders through delivery into inventory to support rapid hardware development.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in high-tech purchasing, ERP/MRP experience (SAP/Oracle/NetSuite), strong Excel analytics, and excellent communication to bridge engineers and suppliers in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in buying, planning, or material control within a high-tech or aerospace environment.
• Experience with ERP/MRP tools (SAP/Oracle/NetSuite) for purchasing and inventory management.
• Strong Excel-based forecasting and data modeling.
• Excellent communication between engineers and suppliers.
• Organizational skills to manage a high volume of concurrent purchase orders in a startup or rapid R&D prototype environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift objects up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Own the purchasing lifecycle from requisition through delivery for specialized manufacturing components, commodity hardware, software and supplies.
• Analyze engineering drawings and Bills of Materials (BOM) to plan material requirements, working with engineering and prototyping teams to adjust as designs iterate.
• Source and qualify suppliers for new parts, running a competitive process negotiating price, lead time, and delivery terms.
• Maintain the procurement and supplier database ensuring high accuracy for all part prices, lead times, supplier information, and purchase order documentation.
• Expedite supply priorities and track supplier performance against on-time delivery, quality, and cost targets.
• Coordinate logistics including freight, customs documentation, and handling requirements for hazardous and cryogenic materials.
• Manage day-to-day inventory levels to prevent shortages while minimizing excess stock holding costs.

Skills

ERP/MRP systems

Excel analytics

Communication

Organizational skills

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

SAP

Oracle

NetSuite

Job description

Thea Energy is seeking a highly motivated Buyer/Planner to manage day-to-day material requirements and procurement for our commercial fusion systems. You will manage BOMs, source suppliers, and oversee orders through delivery into inventory to support rapid hardware development.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in high-tech purchasing, ERP/MRP experience (SAP/Oracle/NetSuite), strong Excel analytics, and excellent communication to bridge engineers and suppliers in a fast-paced startup environment.