Category Manager, Technical Equipment
About The Position
Helion is seeking a seasoned Category Manager to lead the development and scaling of a world-class supply chain for the capital equipment that powers next-generation fusion energy systems. In this role, you will own strategic sourcing initiatives for the capital equipment and components critical to fusion energy production, from custom vacuum systems and power electronics to precision-machined assemblies and specialized manufacturing equipment. You will build and manage critical supplier relationships, drive cost and capacity strategies, and play a key role in enabling Helion's mission to deliver fusion energy at scale. This is a high-impact, onsite role based in Everett, WA, reporting to the Director of Supply Chain.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain, including 5+ years sourcing complex capital equipment or highly engineered systems.
- Experience managing $100M+ in spend and executing category strategies across supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, delivery, and qualification.
- Demonstrated success developing global suppliers and managing cost, capacity, lead-time, quality, and supply risks in an engineering-driven, R&D-to-production environment.
- Strong commercial and cross-functional leadership skills, with experience negotiating complex agreements and partnering with engineering, manufacturing, finance, and program teams.
Responsibilities
- Own the capital equipment category, sourcing custom equipment, components, and assemblies required to produce fusion energy in collaboration with engineering, science teams, and production.
- Drive cost reductions and secure vendor capacity to support schedule and budget requirements.
- Identify new capital equipment vendors and maintain strong relationships with existing vendors to develop a diverse and robust supply chain for fusion-critical systems.
- Lead bidding efforts for capital equipment purchases.
- Negotiate contract terms and manage existing contracts with vendors, including manufacturing service agreements, stocking programs, and non-disclosure agreements.
- Develop and execute category strategies for capital equipment that align with fusion program milestones, balancing cost, lead time, and technical risk.
- Lead initiatives and projects cross-functionally, partnering closely with engineering to translate technical requirements into sourcing and procurement plans.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families
- 31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days)
- 10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter break
- Up to 5% employer 401(k) match
- Short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance
- Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks)
- Annual wellness stipend
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
