About this opportunity
Mind Robotics lists this Global Supply Chain Manager opportunity in palo alto, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
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
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Worksite address
palo alto, CA, 94306, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.