Supplier Development Engineer

Radiant is an El Segundo, CA-based startup building the world’s first mass-produced, portable nuclear microreactors. The company’s first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt failsafe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to five years without the need to refuel. Portable nuclear power with rapid deploy capability can replace similar-sized diesel generators, and provide critical asset support for hospitals, data centers, remote sites, and military bases. Radiant’s unique, practical approach to nuclear development utilizes modern software engineering to rapidly achieve safe, factory-built microreactors that leverage existing, well-qualified materials. Founded in 2020, Radiant is on track to test its first reactor next year at the Idaho National Laboratory, with initial customer deliveries beginning in 2028.

About

Radiant is seeking a Supplier Development Engineer responsible for the onboarding, qualification, auditing, and ongoing development of suppliers to ensure compliance with applicable nuclear and industrial quality codes and standards. This role will help build a world-class, compliant, and reliable supply base capable of delivering high-quality, safety-critical components for our micro reactor systems. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, and eager to grow subject matter expertise within highly regulated industries.

Responsibilities

- Lead the supplier onboarding and qualification process, including pre-assessments, audits, and capability reviews.

- Conduct supplier audits against relevant standards (references skills & qualifications below)

- Manage supplier corrective actions, non-conformance investigations, root cause analysis, and effective resolution of supplier quality issues.

- Oversee supplier inspections, product witness points, and documentation reviews to ensure code and specification compliance.

- Partner cross-functionally with design, materials, and manufacturing engineering teams to understand technical design intent — including components, assemblies, and metrology — and support resolution of supplier quality and performance issues.

- Track supplier performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

- Work toward achieving certified NQA-1 auditor status (if not already certified) and pursue qualified inspector credentials as appropriate.

- Support supplier capability development plans to meet evolving quality and regulatory requirements.

- Maintain accurate records and reports to support audits, regulatory reviews, and internal reporting.

Deliverables

- Lead supplier onboarding, capability assessments, and compliance audits against NQA-1, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, 10 CFR 21, ASME, ISO, and other standards.

- Maintain supplier performance metrics, manage supplier scorecards, and drive continuous improvement initiatives based on audit results and performance trends.

- Investigate supplier non-conformances, lead root cause analysis, manage corrective actions (SCARs), and verify resolution effectiveness.

- Develop and execute inspection and witness point plans, perform code-compliant product inspections, and review documentation for critical nuclear components.

- Obtain Certified NQA-1 Lead Auditor status within 12 months, work toward Qualified Inspector credentials, and stay current on applicable codes, standards, and industry best practices.

Skills & Qualifications

- Required:

- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, or a related field.

- 2–7 years of relevant experience in supplier quality, supplier development, or quality engineering within highly regulated industries (nuclear, aerospace, medical device, or industrial).

- Working knowledge of quality systems such as ISO-9001, AS-9100, or equivalent.

- Establish proactive communication channels and trusted relationships with key suppliers to ensure consistent performance, foster collaboration, and drive continuous improvement.

- Ability and willingness to travel to supplier locations domestically and internationally (up to 30%).

- Preferred:

- Experience in the nuclear energy industry or working with nuclear codes, standards, and regulations.

- Familiarity with NQA-1, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, 10 CFR 21, ASME BPVC Section III & VIII.

- Experience conducting supplier audits, product inspections, and quality investigations.

- Certified NQA-1 Lead Auditor or willingness to obtain certification within 12 months.

- Qualified Inspector status (ASME Section III) or working toward it.

- Exposure to ISO-17025 accredited laboratories or certification bodies.

Additional Requirements

- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish our mission.

- Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ.

Total Compensation And Benefits

Radiant's new hire compensation package includes base salary, substantial equity grants, and comprehensive benefits. Total compensation and level are determined through a holistic evaluation of your interview performance, experience, education, and qualifications.

Benefits And Perks For Eligible Employees

- Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees. - Medical: 100% premium coverage for base Silver level plan for employee + 50% premium coverage for dependents. Platinum plans available.

- One Medical: Sponsored memberships for eligible employees and their dependents.

- Vision: 100% premium coverage for top tier plan + 50% for dependents. - Dental: 100% premium coverage for top tier plan (including orthodontia) + 50% for dependents.

- Voluntary life, accident, hospital, critical illness, commuter and FSA/HSA are offered as employee contributed benefits.

- 8-weeks of paid parental leave for all parents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees.

- Daily catered lunch. Free snacks and drinks.

- Flexible PTO policy. Remote workday allocation.

- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and in-person camaraderie.

- Beautiful El Segundo headquarters close to the Pacific Ocean.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time. This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.