Global Supply Chain Manager

Posted Yesterday
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Palo Alto, CA, USA
In-Office
Senior level
Artificial Intelligence • Robotics • Industrial • Manufacturing
The Role
Build and manage the hardware supply chain from prototype through production. Responsibilities include supplier sourcing and onboarding, procurement negotiations, should-cost modeling, supplier performance, inbound logistics, inventory, risk mitigation, and production readiness. The role partners closely with engineering teams on component selection, make-versus-buy decisions, manufacturing processes, alternate sourcing, tooling qualification, and first-article inspections.
Summary Generated by Built In
About Mind
 

Mind Robotics is building Physical AI for real-world industrial deployment, starting with the factory floor. We believe the hardest problems in AI are solved when researchers and engineers are hands-on with the physical world every day - and we're looking for people who are passionate about robotics, value ownership, and are excited to tackle difficult problems. Join us if you want to move beyond digital intelligence and put intelligence into motion.

About the Role

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

Skills Required

  • Experience building supply chain operations at a startup
  • 5+ years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or sourcing within a hardware-intensive industry
  • Experience sourcing multiple commodity categories, including electromechanical components, PCBs or PCBAs, injection-molded parts, machined metals, cameras or sensors, and connectors
  • Familiarity with injection molding, die-casting, MIM, CNC machining, and SMT assembly
  • Strong negotiation skills with domestic and international suppliers
  • Experience transitioning prototype or NPI builds to volume production
  • Experience with tooling qualification and first-article inspection processes
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, 3D models, and technical specifications
  • Experience working with Chinese, Japanese, or Korean suppliers and contract manufacturers
  • Ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and fast-paced environments
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The Company
20 Employees
Year Founded: 2025

What We Do

Mind Robotics builds intelligent, AI-driven robotic systems for industrial deployment, focusing on creating collaborative platforms for manufacturing environments.

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