About Us
SunDrive is an Australian solar technology company turning world-leading science into real-world impact.
Founded in a Sydney garage in 2015, when our co-founder Vince Allen paused his PhD to pursue a bold idea, we set out to make solar more powerful, affordable, and sustainable. Today, that same drive fuels a company operating at the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing and materials science.
Our breakthrough solar cell technology replaces silver with industry-first direct copper plating: swapping one of the most expensive materials in solar for something abundant, cost-effective, and sustainable. We set a world record for solar cell efficiency in 2021 and built the world's first fully automated copper-plating line at our Kurnell facility, proving scalability.
Backed by leading VCs and government agencies and punching above our weight in partnering with global PV partners, we're now at the forefront of a generational shift in clean-energy manufacturing and driving industrial-scale deployment.
If you want to work somewhere ambitious, collaborative, and deeply technical, where science meets impact, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role:
As Senior Buyer, you will ownSunDrive'send-to-end procurement andlogisticsprocesses acrossresearch,developmentand engineering.
You will partner directly with our engineers,scientistsand operators to secure the materials, equipment,chemicalsand services to power our technology – at speed, at the right cost and without compromising quality. This isin-direct technical procurement in a fast-movingR&D environment.
You will not be buyingcatalogue items. You will interpret technical specifications, understandfrom the technical teamwhat drives cost within them, and translate ambiguity into structured, commercially sound purchasingdecisions.
Youwill work closely with suppliers in Australia,Chinaand broader markets, withMandarin capability critical to building strong supplier and partners relationships and delivering commercial outcomes.
Successin thisroleismeasuredby twothings: speed and cost, delivered without compromise.
What you will own:
* Owning the full end-to-end procurement andlogisticsprocess, acting as the buyer for engineering, scientific, andpilotmanufacturing-related purchases acrosslab R&D andproduction activities.
* Managing procurement requests from intake through technical clarification, sourcing, negotiation, purchase order issuance,logisticscoordination, and final delivery,ensuring speed and cost efficiency without compromising quality.
* Sourcing, negotiating, and managing local and international suppliers across mechanical, electrical, chemical, capital equipment, and service categories, with a strong focus on suppliers in China and Australia.
* Engaging directly with chemical and equipment suppliers in China and Asia, building effective working relationships to supporttimelydelivery and strong commercial outcomes.
* Optimising and communicating incoterms and their business impact across cash flow, timing, and resource planning.
* Managing internationallogisticsand storage requirements for standard and dangerous goods, including chemicals and sensitive materials, while ensuring compliance with DG shipping, import/export, and customs regulations.
* Driving CAPEX efficiency across equipmentpurchasesand service vendors (including electrical, HVAC and contractors), including coordination of installationlogisticssuch as visas, housing, and contractor engagement.
* Leading procurement planning aligned to engineering roadmaps and project timelines,maintainingvisibility on supply risk, lead times, and cost exposure for executive leadership.
* Deploying and maturingSunDrive'sProcurement and Inventory Management platform, improving inventory accuracy and optimising KPIs across cost, inventory value, lead time, and service attainment.
We would love you to have:
* 3–5+ years of procurement experience,includingindirecttechnical procurement where purchases are driven by engineering or scientific specifications rather than standard off-the-shelf items.
* Native or fluentMandarinlanguagecapability,with confidence engagingsuppliers in China andAsia.
* Demonstrableexperience in strategic sourcing, supplier development, contract negotiation, and cost modelling, with solid commercial judgement in balancing speed, cost, and quality.
* CAPEXpurchasingand equipment procurementexperience, along with inventory forecasting, demand planning, and working within ERP/MRP systems (Cin7preferred) to support procurement governance and KPI optimisation.
* Structured. Proactive and solutions-driven mindset.
* Comfortable operating in ambiguity and high- pressure, fast – moving environments.
* Strong stakeholder management skills and a high ownership mindset.
* Industry experience in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, solar, aerospace, chemical processing, battery manufacturing, or deep-tech hardware environments will be highly regarded.
* Experience managinghigh - volumeprocurementticketing systems, such as in Jira, will be highly regarded.
$100,000 - $115,000 a year
SunDrive'sBenefitsMeaningful Work & Ownership
- AccessSunDrive'sEmployee Stock OptionPlan (ESOP) -real ownership inSunDrive'sgrowth (permanent employees only).
- Work on breakthrough solar technology with global impact.
- Be part of a tight, high-performing team where your ideas matter.
Learning & Growth
- Company-wide L&D Fund for courses, coaching, and technical development.
- Dedicated weekly learning time.
- Up to 2 days of paid L&D leave per year.
Leave & Flexibility
- 4 weeks annual leave + unlimited rollover.
- 10 dayspaid Personal/Carer's Leave + unlimited rollover.
- Parental Leave:13weeksprimary /6 weekssecondary caregiver leave.Paid antenatal leave and support for early arrivals, surrogacy, and return-to-work planning.
- 2 days paid Compassionate Leave per occasion.
Health & Wellbeing
- Free, confidential EAP support for employees and immediatefamily.
Financial & Everyday Perks
- EV-only novated leasing (FBT-compliant).
- Weekly transport(tolls and public transport)allowance up to $45.
Weekly catered lunch + snacks and drinks onsite.
How We Work
We'rea team of engineers, scientists, operators, and builders who thrive where deep research meets real-world production. With teams in Australia and China, we collaborate across disciplines and borders to design, build, test, andoptimisethe technologies behind our breakthrough solar cells. At our Sydney site, R&D, pilot manufacturing, and processengineering sit under one roof, creating a fast, iterative loop between innovation and implementation.
Our culture is open, accountable, and grounded in first principles. We work withoutego, raise challenges early, and solve them together. We act like owners—pragmatic, resourceful, and committed to delivering workthat'sprecise and built to last.
We'reambitious in what we take on and united by a shared purpose: to turn breakthrough ideas into scalable technologies that power a better future.
Additional Information
SunDriveSolar Pty Ltd is an Equal Opportunity / AffirMittive Action employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and provide reasonableaccommodationsfor candidates with disabilities.Please let your recruiter know if you need accommodation at any point during the interview process.
This role requires full working rights in Australia. Unfortunately, SunDrive is not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
#LI-Hybrid
#J-18808-Ljbffr