Global Sourcing Manager - Defense

Applied Intuition Applied Intuition · Robotics · Washington, DC · Finance

This role is for a Global Sourcing Manager in the Defense sector, focusing on procuring hardware components like GPUs, edge-compute modules, and sensors for autonomous defense platforms. It requires expertise in procurement strategies, supplier relationships, and compliance with defense regulations (FAR, DFARS, DCMA). While the company works with AI and advanced hardware, the role itself is in procurement and supply chain management, not direct AI/ML development.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop a long-term strategy and secure cross-functional buy-in
  2. Create and execute RFx strategies
  3. Lead strategic sourcing for the "Physical AI" stack, including high-performance GPU clusters, edge-compute modules, and specialized sensors (LiDAR, thermal, and radio) required for autonomous defense platforms
  4. Partner with Engineering from the "breadboard" prototyping phase to ensure that selected hardware components meet the SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost) requirements of ruggedized defense
  5. Develop processes in compliance with FAR, DFARS, and corporate policies

Skills

Required

  • 10+ years in strategic sourcing, commodity management, global supply management, or similar field
  • 2+ years leading Physical AI or Robotics Commodity Procurement: Proven experience sourcing high-performance compute (GPUs/FPGA), edge-processing units, or advanced sensing suites (LiDAR, Radar, EO/IR).
  • Expertise with FAR, DFARS, DCMA audits, and CPSR
  • Strong sense of urgency and a strategic mindset
  • Insatiable curiosity and a keen attention to detail
  • Highly efficient executive-level communication skills
  • Exceptional negotiation skills
  • Ability to cut through ambiguity to make concrete and sound decisions
  • Thorough understanding of complex contract structures
  • Ability to rapidly prioritize and execute in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience in DoD, aerospace, and/or defense contracting environments
  • Bachelor’s Degree in supply chain, finance, business, or similar field

Nice to have

  • MBA
  • Experience with the Google suite of tools (e.g. Google Sheets, Google Docs)
  • Experience using Slack on a professional level
  • Experience working in a rapidly evolving startup environment

What the JD emphasized

  • FAR, DFARS, and corporate policies
  • FAR, DFARS, DCMA audits, and CPSR
  • Physical AI or Robotics Commodity Procurement
  • high-performance compute (GPUs/FPGA), edge-processing units, or advanced sensing suites (LiDAR, Radar, EO/IR)