Sourcing Manager, Robotics

Nextpower•Fremont, CA

7d•$160,000 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

Nextpower is seeking an experienced Robotics Sourcing Manager to lead sourcing and supplier development for our inspection robot product line. This role is responsible for end-to-end component sourcing, supplier strategy, and the development and management of contract manufacturers from early build through volume production. The ideal candidate has strong experience in electromechanical hardware sourcing, contract manufacturing, and new product introduction (NPI) in robotics, automotive, aerospace, or related hardware industries.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in sourcing, supply chain, or procurement for hardware products
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, Operations, or a related technical field
Hands-on experience sourcing components for electromechanical or robotic systems
Proven experience selecting and managing contract manufacturers
Strong understanding of NPI, prototype builds, and production ramp
Experience negotiating supplier contracts and managing BOM costs
Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering and manufacturing teams

Nice To Haves

Experience in robotics, automation, automotive, aerospace, or industrial equipment
Familiarity with PCBAs, motors, sensors, batteries, and precision mechanical components
Experience supporting production in North America and Asia
Background in supply chain risk management for early-stage or scaling hardware companies

Responsibilities

Own sourcing strategy for mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, and off-the-shelf components used in inspection robots
Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers for critical components including motors, gearboxes, sensors, PCBs, batteries, enclosures, and custom machined parts
Negotiate pricing, lead times, tooling, MOQs, and long-term supply agreements
Manage supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and scalability
Select, develop, and manage contract manufacturers for prototype, pilot, and volume production
Lead RFQ processes and cost modeling for full system builds and sub-assemblies
Partner with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure DFM/DFA readiness
Support production ramp, capacity planning, and supply chain risk mitigation
Work closely with hardware engineering during design phases to influence component selection and cost targets
Partner with operations, manufacturing, quality, and finance teams to align sourcing decisions with business goals
Support NPI builds, ECOs, and transition from prototype to production
Drive cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations, alternate sourcing, and design optimization
Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including single-source dependencies and long lead-time components
Develop long-term sourcing roadmaps aligned with product and volume forecasts