Technical Commodity Manager - Robotics

Overview

Technical Commodity Manager for Robotics to build and evolve a supply chain that supports R&D, NPI, and high-volume manufacturing of robotic hardware components.

What you'll do

• Partner with engineering during R&D to source components, qualify vendors, and turn around quotes and samples quickly.
• Build supplier relationships from scratch across relevant hardware categories.
• Evaluate quotes, lead times, and vendor capabilities to make sourcing decisions with incomplete data.
• Coordinate with legal, finance, and leadership to gather approvals and remove roadblocks.
• Stand up sourcing processes, tools, and vendor scorecards for a growing supply chain organization.
• Support NPI by working with engineering and quality on DFM feedback, first-article inspection, and pilot builds.
• Transition sourcing relationships and processes from prototype-friendly vendors to production-grade suppliers.
• Flag supply risks early (e.g., single-source dependency, long-lead parts, supplier financial/quality issues) and bring solutions.

What you'll need

• Solid foundation in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and hardware manufacturing.
• Strong supply chain fundamentals including purchasing and negotiation.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and technical supplier decisions.
• Direct, clear communication with engineers, suppliers, and leadership.
• Ability to reason from first principles and develop expertise in new commodities quickly.
• Comfort working with ambiguity and incomplete data.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on technical hardware experience.

Details

• Based in San Francisco, CA.
• In-person presence required 4 days a week.
• Up to 30% travel to vendor sites.