Director, Supply Chain and Operations

Cylake•Sunnyvale, CA

About The Position

Cylake is building the next generation of cybersecurity infrastructure with a complete, AI-native, data-driven platform that doesn’t depend on the public cloud. Founded in early 2026 by the teams behind Palo Alto Networks and SentinelOne, we're rethinking how enterprises process, analyze, and secure massive amounts of data by bringing storage, compute, AI, and security into a single, vertically integrated platform that runs entirely within customer environments. Cylake is backed by Greylock and IQT with a $45M seed investment and a tier one board of directors. We're looking for an exceptional Supply Chain leader to build our supply chain foundation that will bring Cylake’s first product to market. You'll partner directly with Engineering and the executive team to build the supplier ecosystem, manufacturing strategy, and supply chain that will scale from prototypes to production. From identifying critical suppliers and qualifying manufacturing partners to coordinating prototype builds and launching production, you'll play a central role in turning ambitious engineering into products that ship. This role is ideal for someone who has built and scaled complete hardware systems inside a high-growth technology company and enjoys hands-on solving of ambitious problems while building the team to scale it.

Requirements

10–15+ years of experience in supply chain, manufacturing, and product operations.
Built and launched complex hardware products from prototype through production.
Deep experience with contract manufacturers, EMS partners, and strategic suppliers across global regions.
Excellent commercial negotiation and supplier relationship skills.
Strong partnership with engineering throughout NPI and product development.
Hands-on builder who thrives in ambiguity and wants to create something from the ground up.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Enjoy exercising innovative creativity building from zero.
Can negotiate with suppliers in the morning and help unpack engineering prototypes in the afternoon.
Like solving problems that don't have playbooks or perfect information.
Prefer ownership over bureaucracy, and is motivated by the ability to make an impact.
Want to build systems that will support the company for years to come, and do it with people and a company culture that makes the journey meaningful.

Responsibilities

Build Cylake's First Supply Chain: Build the supplier relationships, manufacturing strategy, and supply chain that takes Cylake's first product from engineering prototype to customer shipment.
Supplier Strategy & Component Sourcing: Build the sourcing strategy for all critical components and manufacturing partners. Identify, qualify, and negotiate with contract manufacturers (CMs), EMS partners, and key suppliers. Develop strong supplier relationships that ensure quality, availability, and long-term scalability. Drive supplier selection, commercial negotiations, and supply risk mitigation.
New Product Introduction (NPI): Partner with Engineering from the earliest stages of product development. Ensure products are designed for manufacturability and supply availability. Lead manufacturing readiness from prototype builds through production launch. Resolve manufacturing and supply chain issues that could impact product milestones.
Manufacturing & Supply Chain: Own the end-to-end flow of materials required to build and ship Cylake's first products. Work with manufacturing partners to deliver quality products on schedule. Balance cost, quality, speed, and supply continuity as we scale from prototype to production.
Procurement & Logistics: Manage purchasing for prototype and production materials. Coordinate inbound logistics and material availability to support engineering and manufacturing. Help establish the operational foundation needed as the company grows.
Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner closely with Engineering, Product, Finance, and Executive Leadership. Bring a manufacturing and supply chain perspective into product decisions. Build the partnerships that will become the backbone of Cylake's supply chain.