We're building robots for industrial deployment that push the limits of what hardware can do and we need someone who's done this before in the trenches, not just observed it from a distance.

You'll be part of building our supply chain from scratch, working shoulder-to-shoulder with our engineering team, and moving at a fast pace. If you've thrived in that environment before - and you're hungry to do it again - this role is for you.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers for motors (BLDC, stepper, servo), custom PCBs/PCBAs, injection-molded parts, CNC-machined components, cameras, connectors, and cable assemblies

• Own the full procurement cycle — issue quotes, negotiate piece pricing and tooling costs, and execute NDAs, supply agreements, and purchase orders

• Build and maintain should-cost models across key commodities to drive cost reduction through competitive bidding, DFM feedback, and supplier consolidation

• Source components and work closely with machine shops, CMs, and CEMs to ensure parts are manufactured and shipped to spec and on time

• Develop and manage the supply chain readiness plan to move from low-volume prototype builds (10s of units) to initial production runs (100s–1,000s of units)

• Track supplier lead times, tooling timelines, and open items across all commodities using program management tools

• Manage ongoing supplier performance — partnerships, business reviews, dispute resolution, and corrective action plans

• Coordinate inbound logistics from domestic and international suppliers, managing inventory levels to balance carrying cost against schedule risk

• Identify single-source dependencies, long-lead-time components, and geopolitical risks; develop mitigation strategies including dual-sourcing and alternate qualification plans

• Work hand-in-hand with mechanical, electrical, firmware, and industrial design teams — providing sourcing input on component selection, alternate parts, and make-vs-buy decisions early enough to actually influence outcomes

Qualifications

• You've built supply chain at a startup before. You know what it means to operate without a playbook, move fast, and own outcomes end-to-end — not just manage a process someone else designed

• Deep sourcing intuition — you understand supplier economics, manufacturing processes, and what drives cost at the component level

• 5+ years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or sourcing within hardware-intensive industries such as robotics, industrial automation, consumer electronics, aerospace, or automotive

• Direct experience sourcing across multiple commodity categories — electromechanical components (motors, actuators), PCBs/PCBAs, injection-molded parts, machined metals, cameras/sensors, or connectors

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as injection molding, die-casting, MIM, CNC machining, and SMT assembly

• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of achieving competitive pricing and favorable terms with both domestic and international suppliers

• Experience managing the transition from prototype/NPI builds to volume production, including tooling qualification and first-article inspection processes

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, 3D models, and technical specifications well enough to contribute meaningfully in design reviews and supplier technical discussions

• Experience working with Chinese, Japanese, or Korean suppliers and contract manufacturers is a strong plus

• You thrive in ambiguity, default to urgency, and have the drive to build — not just maintain