Procurement & Supply Chain Engineer

The posting, as Focused wrote it

ABOUT FOCUSED ENERGY & SOURCELIGHT

Focused Energy is building the future of clean energy through laser-driven inertial fusion. As a spin-out of Focused Energy, SourceLight is turning breakthrough laser-driven radiation source technology into practical solutions for some of the world's most demanding inspection and material characterization challenges.

We are building on cutting-edge scientific innovation to develop scalable technology for industrial applications, including nuclear waste characterization, security screening, and non-destructive testing of safety-critical components.

As our technology moves from development toward industrial application, building a robust and scalable supply chain is essential to our success.

YOUR ROLE

We are looking for a Procurement & Supply Chain Manager to establish and lead this function from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of procurement and supplier strategy across the company, shaping how we identify, qualify, engage, and manage suppliers while ensuring our engineering teams have the components and resources they need to deliver.

You will work closely with our Product and Engineering teams, Finance, Legal, and external partners to establish company-wide procurement standards, negotiate complex technical and commercial agreements, and build a supplier ecosystem capable of supporting our growth.

Initially operating as a senior individual contributor, you will have significant autonomy and influence over how this function develops. As SourceLight scales, you will have the opportunity to expand the team, introduce new capabilities, and evolve procurement and supply chain into a fully established organizational function.

If you enjoy building structure in a fast-moving technical environment, navigating complex supplier relationships, and creating the operational foundations that enable innovative technology to reach the market, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Build and lead the Procurement & Supply Chain function: Establish the strategy, processes, tools, and operating standards required to support procurement across all SourceLight product and engineering teams.
• Develop a strategic supplier ecosystem: Identify, evaluate, qualify, and manage suppliers across specialized technical categories, particularly high-value optical, laser, mechanical, electrical, and other advanced hardware components.
• Own sourcing and commercial negotiations: Lead supplier selection, RFQs, commercial negotiations, pricing discussions, lead-time agreements, and framework contracts to secure favorable terms while balancing cost, quality, technical requirements, and delivery timelines.
• Manage complex technical agreements: Lead commercial negotiations for strategic supplier agreements and Joint Development Agreements (JDAs), partnering with Engineering, Legal, Finance, and leadership to ensure appropriate commercial, operational, and contract

[…]
, giving you a direct stake in our success and ownership in what we build together.

• Vacation Days: We support your work-life-balance by granting you 30 days of vacation per year.
• Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. Our Darmstadt office even offers a canteen with delicious lunch options daily.
• Retirement Plan: If you decide for a private pension plan, we will finance 20% on top of your monthly contributions, plus loyalty incentives.
• Equipment: We offer state-of-the-art Windows or Apple Laptops. In addition, you will receive a keyboard, mouse and headset so you are fully equipped from day 1.
• Events: We organize regular events to foster team bonding, encourage collaboration, and build a strong, supportive company culture. Connect with colleagues across departments, share ideas, and have fun together, both in and outside of the workplace.
• Mobility with NAVIT: We partner with NAVIT to support your flexible commuting needs—whether it’s a public transportation ticket, taxi rides or car-sharing you choose what fits your lifestyle.
• Fitness with Wellhub: We care about your health. Get access to a wide range of gyms, fitness studios and wellness services across Europe through our partnership with Wellhub.

Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.