Senior Buyer

Skydio · Defense · Hayward, CA +1 · Operations

Skydio is seeking a Senior Buyer with expertise in supply chain and materials management to manage purchase orders for drones and future products in a regulated environment. The role involves maintaining ERP systems, managing POs end-to-end, mitigating supply chain risks, collaborating with stakeholders, analyzing procurement data, and supporting planning metrics. The goal is to ensure timely delivery of critical components, reduce BOM cost, and improve gross margin.

What you'd actually do

  1. Maintain vendor and component information in ERP systems, including Standard Cost, Lead Time, MOQ, Logistics Lead Time, Payment Terms, etc.
  2. Manage Purchase Orders end-to-end to support customer orders and company revenue targets. Mitigate supply chain risks and ensure supply continuity, including PO release, delivery commit, receipts and discrepancies, invoice approval and supplier corrective actions as needed.
  3. Improve ERP system accuracy and expand capabilities to build a world class MRP for in house manufacturing.
  4. Collaborate with internal stakeholders on implementing supply chain strategies and provide key delivery data for Clear-to-Build report.
  5. Analyze procurement data and report on metrics including on-time delivery, PO status, vendor performance etc.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain (preferably in aerospace, robotics, or electronics manufacturing).
  • Strong understanding of supply chain principles and procurement best practices.
  • Experience sourcing electronic components (PCBs, semiconductors), mechanical parts, or aerospace materials.
  • Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
  • Excellent negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
  • Experience in drone, UAV, aerospace, or high-tech hardware industries.
  • Familiarity with FAA regulations or aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100).
  • Knowledge of global sourcing and international logistics.

Nice to have

  • APICS certification (e.g., CPIM, CSCP) or equivalent.
  • Strategic sourcing and cost optimization
  • Supplier relationship management
  • Problem-solving and decision-making
  • Attention to detail and organization
  • Cross-functional collaboration

What the JD emphasized

  • highly regulated environment
  • No parts = no drones
  • critical components
  • preventing costly delays