Procurement Manager-Integrated Systems

About the role

Proxima Fusion is developing commercial stellarator power plants based on the Wendelstein 7-X design. The Procurement Manager-Integrated Systems will own the end-to-end sourcing strategy for critical integrated systems that define the performance of our fusion machines. This role is responsible for identifying, qualifying, and managing vendors that deliver complex cryogenic, vacuum, and heating hardware essential to stellarator operation. You will translate high-level engineering requirements into actionable procurement packages that suppliers can execute against with precision. The hire will act as the primary commercial and technical interface between our engineering teams and external manufacturing partners. Success in this position will ensure that next-generation fusion machines move from design blueprints to tangible, testable hardware. You will mitigate supply chain risks while enforcing strict adherence to acceptance standards and long-term support obligations. Ultimately, this role bridges the gap between innovation and delivery, enabling Proxima Fusion to progress toward commercially viable fusion energy.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Orchestrate the end-to-end procurement process for integrated technical systems and manufacturing machinery, ensuring alignment with project milestones.
• Formulate and execute sourcing strategies for specialized equipment such as fuel cycles, cooling systems, and plasma diagnostics tailored to fusion applications.
• Conduct comprehensive market research and initiate the full lifecycle of RFIs and RFPs to identify capable and qualified vendors.
• Negotiate commercial terms that address warranties, documentation standards, acceptance testing protocols, and long-term service agreements.
• Partner with engineering teams to supervise supplier interfaces, monitor technical risks, and track critical delivery milestones against project schedules.
• Define system-level performance requirements and clarify integration responsibilities for external partners to ensure seamless assembly and operation.
• Administer contract execution, managing change requests, commercial adjustments, and risks throughout the project lifecycle to protect Proxima Fusion interests.
• Deploy digital tools and leverage AI applications to streamline procurement workflows, improve decision-making, and enhance process efficiency.
• Establish and maintain strategic supplier relationships, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement across the supply chain.
• Drive standardization of procurement practices for integrated systems, creating reusable frameworks that accelerate future project onboarding.
• Coordinate acceptance testing activities, ensuring that delivered equipment meets stringent technical and regulatory requirements before installation.
• Analyze procurement data and generate insights that support cost optimization, risk reduction, and supplier performance improvement.
• Serve as the central point for procurement documentation, ensuring that all contractual artifacts are complete, accurate, and accessible.
• Contribute to the development of category management playbooks specific to fusion energy infrastructure and advanced manufacturing systems.

Requirements

• Bring 5 to 7 years of professional experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, or procurement within complex technical environments.
• Demonstrate a background in purchasing complex machinery or integrated technical systems where project uncertainty is high and requirements evolve.
• Show proficiency in interpreting detailed technical specifications and managing intricate system interfaces across multiple vendors.
• Exhibit strong capabilities in contract management, including negotiation, drafting, and enforcement of commercial agreements.
• Prove ability to balance competing project timelines, technical constraints, and commercial goals without compromising quality or delivery commitments.
• Hold a Degree in Engineering or a related technical field that provides foundational knowledge of complex systems and manufacturing processes.
• Display strong analytical skills to assess supplier proposals, evaluate technical risk, and validate compliance with specifications.
• Commit to working in alignment with Proxima Fusion procedures, quality standards, and safety protocols relevant to fusion hardware development.
• Communicate effectively with technical and commercial stakeholders, translating complex requirements into clear procurement instructions.
• Maintain discretion and professionalism when handling proprietary information and sensitive supplier data.

Nice to have

• Direct experience in fusion, aerospace, nuclear, energy, or automation sectors where system integration is critical.
• Prior involvement in sourcing vacuum equipment, cryogenic systems, power systems, or manufacturing machinery for large-scale engineering projects.
• Familiarity with Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), as well as commissioning and lifecycle maintenance processes.
• Work history within a startup, scale-up, or first-of-a-kind engineering project where agility and adaptability are essential.
• Understanding of regulatory and quality requirements relevant to high-tech hardware and energy-related systems.

Practical notes

• This role is classified as PF2 within our internal framework.
• The interview process consists of a recruiter interview, a technical screening, and a technical panel.
• This is an on-site position based in Munich.