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
Aggregated by Frontier · Posted April 22, 2026