About the role
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 RFQ 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 — scorecards, 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 Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, firmware, industrial design) to provide sourcing input on component selection, alternate parts, and make-vs-buy decisions Qualifications 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 roles within hardware-intensive industries such as robotics, 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, metal injection molding (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 engage in design reviews and supplier technical discussions Experience working with Chinese, Japanese, or Korean suppliers and contract manufacturers is a strong plus You are comfortable with ambiguity, move fast, and have the operational drive to build a supply chain function from scratch — not just maintain one