Senior Sourcing Specialist – Nuclear

Category Manager – Nuclear Remote with 30% Travel

Pay: $85,000 – 125,000

We are Hydro Inc., a global, industrial pump re-engineering company with corporate headquarters in Chicago. As the largest independent pump rebuilder in the world, Hydro's has provided engineering expertise, pump repair and support services to the industry since 1969\.

Our mission is to work hand-in-hand with our valued customers around the world to optimize the performance and reliability of their pumping systems by evaluating and understanding root causes of pump degradation or failure and by providing unbiased engineering analysis, quality workmanship, and responsive field service for improved plant operation.

We are looking for an enthusiastic team player to be a Category Manager

- Nuclear

for our Aftermarket Pump Repair Shop located in a great neighborhood in the West Loop in Chicago, IL.

This role is remote with 30% Travel.

The Category Manager

- Nuclear

is responsible for identifying, qualifying, and managing suppliers for nuclear safety-related and non-safety-related components, materials, and services. The role ensures all procurement activities comply with 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, ASME NQA-1, and CSA N299 quality assurance requirements, supporting the timely and cost-effective execution of HydroAire’s pump and component manufacturing programs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Supplier Qualification \& Auditing

• Identify new suppliers in accordance with Appendix B/N299\.3/ ASME QA requirements.
• Coordinate supplier audits, surveys, and corrective actions with QA.
• Maintain supplier approval database and monitor supplier performance metrics.

1. Strategic Sourcing \& Procurement

• Develop sourcing strategies for long-lead and critical materials (e.g., castings, forgings, fabrication, machining, and weld consumables).
• Obtain competitive quotations, perform commercial analysis, and recommend sourcing decisions.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules while ensuring full technical and quality compliance.

1. Regulatory \& Documentation Compliance

• Ensure procurement documentation meets Nuclear QA traceability requirements (CMTRs, COCs, CMTRs, Certificates of Conformance).
• Verify suppliers’ compliance with ASME Section III, NCA-3800, and Material Organization certifications.
• Support corrective action and nonconformance resolution related to supplier issues.

1. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Engineering, QA/QC, Planning, and Contracts to align material needs with project timelines.
• Support the development of material sourcing strategies for new pump builds, rerates, and repairs.
• Provide sourcing input for cost estimates, proposals, and scheduling.

1. Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to reduce lead time, improve quality, and optimize supplier base.
• Contribute to lessons learned and supplier performance review programs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or Business Development.
• Minimum 5 years of sourcing experience in the nuclear, power generation, or engineered equipment industry.
• Strong knowledge of ASME Section III, NQA-1, Appendix B, and CSA N299 requirements.
• Experience sourcing machined \& fabricated components, castings, forgings, weld wire, and specialty alloys.
• Excellent negotiation, vendor management, and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (Epicor preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required).

Preferred Experience:

• Prior experience with pump or rotating equipment (pump) sourcing in a nuclear or safety-related environment.
• Familiarity with commercial grade dedication (CGD) process and 10 CFR Part 21 compliance.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, material specifications, and ASME Code references.