Supply Chain Manager, Robotics Hardware

About Us

Field AI is transforming how robots interact with the real world. We are building risk‑aware, reliable, and field‑ready AI systems that address the most complex challenges in robotics, unlocking the full potential of embodied intelligence. We go beyond typical data‑driven approaches or pure transformer‑based architectures, and are charting a new course, with already‑globally‑deployed solutions delivering real‑world results and rapidly improving models through real‑field applications.

The Supply Chain Manager will be responsible for ensuring uninterrupted supply continuity across both in‑house and outsourced manufacturing operations. This role will drive material planning, supplier performance, production readiness, inventory optimization, and cost management to ensure payloads and systems are built on schedule and meet all downstream demand requirements.

The ideal candidate combines strong operational execution with strategic supplier management, excels in fast‑paced environments, and has experience supporting complex electromechanical products from prototype through production scale.

• Sourcing & Order Strategy: Determine order quantities and negotiate RFQ/RFP pricing, weigh over‑ordering vs. under‑ordering risk, and align sourcing timelines with S&OP/demand forecasts and production schedules.

• Cost Reduction & Risk Planning: Drive cost reduction through should‑cost analysis, BOM cost modeling, and bulk pricing, while managing lead times, safety stock, and second‑source strategies against EOL and tariff risk.

• Vendor & Manufacturing Relationships: Manage relationships with PCB/board fabrication houses, CNC/machining shops, and contract manufacturers (CM/ODM), spanning small‑batch and high‑volume production.

• RMAs & Supplier Quality: Handle RMAs for defective parts, and support supplier quality (SQE), first‑article inspection (FAI), and component qualification processes.

• Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory accuracy, supplier performance, forecast accuracy, and operational efficiency.

• Throughput Continuity: Ensure payloads, assemblies, and finished systems are built and delivered to meet all downstream demand requirements.

• Cross Functional Alignment: Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Program Management, and Finance to align production plans with forecasted demand.

• Scheduling & Prioritizations: Manage production schedules and material allocation during periods of constrained supply.

• NPI Support: Support new product introductions (NPI) by ensuring supply chain readiness from prototype through production.

• Executive Visibility: Provide supply chain visibility, metrics, and reporting to executive leadership.

• Chain of Custody: Own chain‑of‑custody tracking for components, prototypes, and payloads. Recording ownership and location through receiving, integration, and handoff to customers.

• Asset Tracking Systems: Implement barcoding and tracking systems for high‑value assets and maintain change‑tracking systems for Hardware team inventory.

• Purchase & Cost Records: Build and maintain systems tracking purchase history (quantities, costs, and rates paid over time) supporting spend analysis, budgets, and procurement KPIs.

• Education: B.S., M.S., or equivalent experience in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience Level: Minimum of 3+ years of hands‑on experience in procurement or supply chain management.

• Procurement & Supply Chain
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience in hardware procurement and supply chain management, including strategic sourcing, vendor/supplier selection, and make‑vs‑buy decisions.

• Logistics & Forecasting: Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems, inventory planning, and demand forecasting.

• Vendor Negotiation: Experience negotiating with vendors, fabrication houses (PCB, CNC), and contract manufacturers, including contract terms, SLAs, and pricing agreements.

• Asset & Inventory Systems: Strong…