Purchasing/Material Planner - Contractor

The posting, as Tempo wrote it

About Tempo

Based in San Diego, California, Tempo develops thermochemical energy storage (TCES) systems designed for energy-intensive industries. The platform enables industrial operators to shift energy use over time by sourcing power when it is most cost-effective and enables the electrification of high-temperature industrial heat at a cost advantage to using fossil fuels. By storing electricity thermochemically, the system delivers a continuous stream of combustion-free, high-temperature air at up to 1,200°C.

Tempo is backed by leading climate and energy investors, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Khosla Ventures, and Prelude Ventures.

For more information, visit www.tempoenergy.com .

Job Description

The Purchasing / Material Planner sits at the center of Tempo's supply chain execution — turning quotes into purchase orders, keeping the master tracker current across every program, and making sure the right materials get to the right place at the right time. This role is highly cross-functional, working daily with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and finance to keep programs on schedule and cost targets on track. This role is classified as a 1099 Independent Contractor position. As a consultant, you will not be a W-2 employee of the company. You will be responsible for your own self-employment taxes, insurance, and equipment. This role does not include company-sponsored benefits, paid time off, or unemployment/workers' compensation coverage.

Key Responsibilities

RFQ and PO Execution

• Prepare and issue RFQs to suppliers, collect and compare quotes, and support supplier selection.
• Place purchase orders and track them through supplier acknowledgement, confirming pricing, lead times, and terms.
• Follow up with suppliers to resolve discrepancies and keep POs moving.

Program Tracking

• Maintain the master supplier/part tracker spanning tooling, manufacturing, testing, and shipments.
• Flag schedule risks and supply constraints early, and keep stakeholders informed.
• Keep tracker data accurate and current as programs evolve.

Sample and Material Logistics

• Coordinate shipments of samples and materials between Tempo and its suppliers.
• Arrange and track supplier-to-supplier shipments.
• Troubleshoot logistics issues (customs, carriers, damaged or delayed shipments) to keep material flowing.

Cost/BOM Data Maintenance

• Maintain supplier quotes and pricing history to support cost analysis.
• Maintain accurate BOM inputs and ensure data ties out across systems.
• Support cost roll-ups and should-cost comparisons.

Documentation

• Keep RFQs, drawings/revisions, and supplier documentation current and organized.
• Maintain commercial records (quotes, POs, terms, agreements) for audit and reference.
• Ensure documentation aligns with the latest engineering revisions.

Requirements/Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or materials planning (hardware or manufacturing env

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ponsibilities, or qualifications. Tempo reserves the right to modify, add, or remove responsibilities as business needs evolve. Employees may be asked to perform duties outside of those listed above from time to time.

Tempo is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Tempo participates in E-Verify. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check including employment and education check.

California Privacy Notice (CCPA) - In connection with your application, Tempo collects personal information that you voluntarily provide, such as your name, contact information, employment history, and other information relevant to your candidacy. This information is collected and used solely for the purpose of evaluating your application and administering the hiring process. Tempo does not sell applicants' personal information. For more information about your rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), please contact HR.

Tempo does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles from external recruiters, staffing agencies, or third-party search firms. Submission of unsolicited resumes by any external agency — whether to a Tempo employee, hiring manager, or any other representative — does not constitute or imply an agreement for placement fees, and Tempo will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited submissions under any circumstances. Any candidate submitted without a prior, fully executed, written fee agreement between the agency and Tempo's Human Resources department will be deemed the sole property of Tempo. Tempo reserves the right to pursue and hire such candidates without obligation to the submitting agency.