Staff Global Supply Manager

Aurora Innovation Aurora Innovation · Robotics · Mountain View, CA · Purchasing

This role is for a Staff Global Supply Manager responsible for the strategic ownership of the supply chain for complex optical hardware and its contract manufacturers. The role involves managing the supply chain from prototype to production, negotiating costs, and tracking market conditions. It requires a deep understanding of optical systems and manufacturing processes, as well as strong analytical and stakeholder management skills.

What you'd actually do

  1. Partner with our Engineering teams to understand technology requirements and business objectives. You will develop and execute sourcing strategies for both highly specialized optical components and the Contract Manufacturer who assemble them.
  2. Manage the supply chain from initial prototype builds through to production readiness, focusing on setting a foundation for future scaling. This involves managing direct relationships with specialized optical suppliers and ensuring our CMs effectively manage their own sub-tier supply base..
  3. Accurately capture NRE, tooling, capital equipment, and material costs. Negotiate competitive pricing, terms, and conditions with both component suppliers and CMs to secure supply and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
  4. Partner closely with our Legal team to draft and finalize legal agreements (e.g., Purchase Agreements, Statements of Work) that secure pricing, capacity, and quality commitments.
  5. Track global market conditions, monitor technology roadmaps, and identify supply and demand challenges and opportunities within the optical and manufacturing industries.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Optical), or a related technical field.
  • 8+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing or procurement, with a proven track record of managing global supply chains
  • Deep understanding of optical systems and manufacturing, including components like lenses, mirrors, lasers, photodetectors, and processes for coatings and precision assembly.
  • Demonstrated experience managing Contract Manufacturers for the production of complex, high-reliability products.
  • Strong analytical and cost modeling skills, with the ability to perform detailed "should-cost" analysis.
  • Exceptional ability to influence internal and external stakeholders, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (e.g., Engineering, Legal, Finance).
  • Tenacity in solving problems, with a resilient and adaptable "can-do" attitude in a dynamic environment.

Nice to have

  • Experience in the automotive industry, with a focus on safety-critical components and high-volume manufacturing.
  • Familiarity with Design for Manufacturability (DFM), specifically for optical assemblies.
  • Hands-on experience with optical metrology and quality control processes.
  • Experience with competitor product teardown analysis to inform strategic sourcing decisions.

What the JD emphasized

  • strategic owner of our supply chain for complex optical hardware
  • manage the entire supply chain for our optical subsystems
  • ensure a reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective supply
  • 8+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing or procurement, with a proven track record of managing global supply chains
  • Deep understanding of optical systems and manufacturing
  • Demonstrated experience managing Contract Manufacturers for the production of complex, high-reliability products.