Lead Procurement & Supply Chain Specialist

Walden Robotics•Cambridge, MA

29d•$198,750 - $265,000

About The Position

We’re looking for a senior, strategic, and hands-on supply chain leader to architect and operationalize the procurement and supply chain foundation powering our next-generation general-purpose humanoid robots. This is a high-impact builder role for someone who can establish structure while executing in real time. As we transition from advanced development into scaled production, supply chain excellence becomes a critical enabler of cost, reliability, and speed. You will design sourcing strategy, negotiate and manage key supplier relationships, implement systems and processes, and personally ensure material readiness for pilot builds and production ramps. Reporting into Business Operations, this role operates at the intersection of Engineering, Finance, and Manufacturing, translating product ambition into supply certainty and margin discipline.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain within hardware, robotics, advanced manufacturing, or industrial systems
Demonstrated experience building or scaling supply chain functions in early or growth-stage environments
Proven track record negotiating complex supplier agreements and managing global vendors
Strong commercial acumen and cost modeling capability, including BOM and landed cost analysis
Experience working with contract manufacturers and international suppliers
Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and structured procurement workflows

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting complex electromechanical or robotics products
Direct experience scaling from prototype to low-volume production to higher-volume manufacturing
Background in cost engineering or value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE)
Experience implementing dual-sourcing or supply chain risk mitigation programs
Prior experience building procurement systems from first principles
Advanced degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or related field

Responsibilities

Design and implement Walden’s end-to-end procurement and supply chain strategy aligned with product roadmap and production scaling plans
Establish sourcing models (single vs. dual sourcing, global vs. regional, make vs. buy)
Build structured risk mitigation frameworks for long-lead, single-source, and geopolitical exposure
Develop cost roadmaps aligned with margin and capital efficiency goals
Identify, evaluate, onboard, and manage global suppliers across mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical components
Lead RFQs, cost modeling, contract negotiation, and long-term supplier agreements
Build durable supplier partnerships aligned with production scaling needs
Ensure material readiness for prototype builds, pilot production, and scale-up
Implement demand forecasting and supply planning processes
Define and manage inventory strategy (safety stock, reorder policies, working capital optimization)
Oversee domestic and international logistics, freight optimization, and customs coordination in collaboration with Robot Operations teams
Build the roadmap for future supply chain team growth as the company scales
Partner with Engineering on DFM/DFA and cost-down initiatives