Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios, and beyond.
About the role:
You’ll develop and execute commodity sourcing strategies of increasing scale for high-quality drone components. Emphasis on mechanical assemblies, motors, optics, molded plastics, machined metals, and composites, but also spanning image sensors, camera modules, and mobile and AI chipsets and other electronics.
How you'll make an impact:
Develop clear technology and commodity roadmaps for current and future programs. Be the liaison between supply chain and engineering for supplier and component selection during NPI and sustaining projects. Identify new high potential suppliers on a global basis.
Cultivate productive relationships with supply chain partners including vendor selection, cost, support, and product transactions. Ownership of RFI's, RFP's and RFQ's - ensuring all commercial terms are agreed and documented.
Drive price negotiation processes to ensure that Skydio’s commodity pricing is best in class. Analyze current spend and evaluate current suppliers. Maintain commodity consumption forecasts and associated plans of execution. Consolidate spend across supply base to create leverage, analyze purchasing trends, and develop sourcing alternatives. Monitor current market conditions, technology roadmaps, and identify supply/demand challenges & opportunities.
Work with finance and accounting during monthly close and financial planning cycles.
Identify and manage metrics required to ensure quality, performance, and durability of the product.
What makes you a strong fit:
Strong practical knowledge and healthy enjoyment of manufacturing, supply chain, and purchasing processes and practices
Strength in directing complex negotiations, RFP issues, cost/price analysis and purchasing procedures
Experience using cost models to define should-cost and negotiating price for sourcing and cost reduction
Flexibility to work and achieve goals in a fast-paced start-up environment with an ability to adapt to changing circumstances
Ability to understand strategic goals and effectively communicate detailed plans across various management levels as well as multiple regional and geographic locals
Ability to prepare and present quantitative and qualitative comparative analysis of sourcing alternatives
Ability to manage respective supplier relationships and performance, including but not limited to, dispute resolution
Interest in keeping up with emerging technologies spanning consumer electronics, aerospace, and robotics
Detail-oriented, team-oriented, with enthusiasm for learning new things. Interest in keeping up with emerging technologies spanning consumer electronics, aerospace, and robotics
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong ethics and professionalism
Technical degree or comparable work experience required
Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions.
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At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws.
For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/
Skills Required
- Practical knowledge of manufacturing, supply chain, and purchasing processes and practices
- Experience directing complex negotiations, RFP/RFI/RFQ processes, and cost/price analysis
- Experience using cost models to define should-cost and drive sourcing cost reductions
- Ability to prepare and present quantitative and qualitative comparative analyses of sourcing alternatives
- Ability to manage supplier relationships and performance, including dispute resolution
- Technical degree or comparable work experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, professionalism, and ethics
- Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced start-up environment
- Familiarity with mechanical assemblies, motors, optics, molded plastics, machined metals, composites, and related electronics (image sensors, camera modules, mobile/AI chipsets)
- Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within initial employment period (strongly encouraged)
What We Do
Skydio is the leading US drone company and world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial transportation. Our mission is to make the world more productive, creative, and safe with autonomous flight.
Why Work With Us
The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, and operational excellence to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users - from action sports enthusiasts to first responders to insurance claims adjusters.
