Senior Sourcing Specialist

As the Senior Sourcing Specialist
, you will be the tactical engine behind our manufacturing growth. You won’t just be cutting POs; you will be architecting the material flow for our AUVs, negotiating with vendors to secure critical components, and ensuring our production lines never starve. We need an operator who can speak "engineering" as fluently as they speak "procurement." You will see products through NPI (New Product Introduction) to full‑rate production from a sourcing and procurement perspective.

You will be the bridge between our engineering team in Bristol and a network of suppliers, ensuring we hit our aggressive cost targets without sacrificing the reliability required for defense hardware.

• Ensure work centers are clear to build on time and set sensible min/max/reorder points that are aligned to the demand plan
• Solve shortages and recover from late‑breaking design changes with urgency
• Identify, qualify, and onboard suppliers for various assemblies & components
• Translate top‑level production targets into actionable material requirements. Own reporting and flow‑downs to ensure everyone knows where our materials are
• Create the plan you execute against. Translate top‑level production targets into actionable material requirements. Own reporting and flow‑downs to ensure everyone knows where our materials are
• Lead RFI/RFQ/RFP events. Secure favorable terms, master service agreements (MSAs), and lock in long‑lead strategic stock. You are the shield protecting Vatn from market volatility.
• Proactively update leadership and engineering teams on all critical supply issues
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships
• Resolve purchase order discrepancies and invoice issues
• Analyze procurement data and report metrics, produce reports with findings
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures and government regulations

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, engineering, or related field
• 3+ years in technical procurement, supply chain planning, or manufacturing operations within a hardware startup, aerospace, or defense environment.
• Ability to read engineering drawings (GD&T knowledge is a plus) and understand BOM structures for complex electromechanical assemblies.
• Advanced Excel proficiency (Pivot Tables, etc; SQL is a plus).

• Previous experience in defense, aerospace, automotive, high tech, or related industry
• Proven track record of taking a product from prototype to mass production.
• Familiarity or experience working with machined components for naval, aerospace, medical, energy, or automotive applications
• Strong ability to read drawings and specifications with an understanding of manufacturing complexity
• Proven ability to lead through influence and drive other teams to a common goal.
• You know how to effectively communicate and collaborate cross functionally and with all levels within an organization
• You are fluent in other cross functional areas to fill gaps and remove roadblocks when needed
• Understanding of ITAR, EAR, and defense procurement regulations

• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally for business needs - up to 50%
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
• This position is based in Bristol, RI and requires being onsite – remote work not considered

Vatn is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially having you join our team in shaping the future of autonomous underwater exploration.