Senior Supply Chain Specialist

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross‑fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

The Sr. Supply Chain Specialist is a member of Property & Procurement, reporting to the Supply Chain Manager supporting the supply chain needs of the program offices. The primary responsibilities involve navigating a complex supply chain to support program needs and business strategies while building strong supplier relationships to ensure the right quality and quantity of goods are purchased at minimum cost for Draper’s program teams.

The role focuses on reducing risk by identifying and mitigating potential supplier issues, including single-sourced materials, potential shortages, and monitoring supply chain trends.

• Participate in product development cycle in partnership with design engineering from concept stage through production pilot for mass production.
• Work collaboratively with internal program teams, quality, contracts, and other functional areas to understand unique supply chain needs to support customer, program, and commodity strategies.
• Source and evaluate supplier quotes, select, and recommend suppliers and negotiate price, delivery, quality, service, and most competitive solution.
• Act as the primary point of contact for program-specific suppliers.
• Facilitate supplier business relationships, requirements and performance to contractual obligations and expectations.
• Work closely with the program teams during the proposal phase to support supply chain and contractual requirements and compliance.
• Cooperate with the program team and quality in the development of the Bill of Materials (BOM), including supplier sourcing and obtaining necessary documentation to ensure compliance and advise on material selection based on supplier performance and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with the supplier management team in completing comprehensive supplier due diligence to ensure compliance.
• Manage PO data, maintain in MRP/ERP environment, and work in partnership with AP to resolve invoice/payment discrepancies.
• Act as liaison with material master, vendor management, and accounts payable to ensure data integrity of purchased components, suppliers and payment terms in ERP system.
• Negotiate and settle with suppliers regarding damage claims, rejections, losses, return of materials, over shipments, cancellations, and engineering changes.
• Monitor, track, and update order status and serve as the primary contact to support NPI.
• Identify risks and work closely with manager to negotiate strategic supplier agreements.
• Perform additional supply-chain related tasks as necessary, including logistics and inventory support.

• Obtain and maintain a Secret clearance (Top Secret clearance desired).
• Strong written, oral, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and other related applications.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS acquisition requirements and related clauses.
• Self‑starter capable of working independently and in a team environment.

Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or related field required.

3‑5 years of relevant experience in a supply chain role.

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $75,000.00 – $. The range reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Draper supports many programs to improve work‑life balance, including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off‑site social events, and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact