a16z Strategic Sourcing Manager - Hivemind Subcontracts (R4464)
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit . Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
Shield AI is seeking a highly driven and operationally focused Senior Sourcing Specialist to support our Hivemind programs through strategic supplier engagement, subcontract management, and cross-functional program execution. This role sits at the intersection of Supply Chain, Engineering, and Program Management and is responsible for managing complex supplier relationships and subcontracted engineering efforts critical to mission execution.This position requires a strong combination of sourcing expertise, subcontract management capability, program coordination, and stakeholder leadership. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, is comfortable operating directly alongside engineering and program teams, and has experience managing suppliers performing statement-of-work (SOW)-based technical or engineering deliverables under various contract structures.This role requires up to 50% domestic travel to supplier sites and Shield AI program locations in support of Hivemind initiatives.
What You'll Do:
- Manage sourcing and subcontract management activities supporting Hivemind programs, including supplier selection, negotiations, contract execution, and ongoing supplier performance management.
- Partner closely with Engineering, Program Management, Legal, Finance, and Operations teams to develop and manage complex Statements of Work (SOWs), deliverables, milestones, schedules, acceptance criteria, and technical requirements.
- Manage subcontractors performing engineering, technical development, integration, manufacturing, or testing activities in support of Shield AI programs.
- Drive supplier execution through structured program management disciplines, including milestone tracking, risk identification, issue resolution, and performance reporting.
- Travel regularly to supplier and program sites to support supplier oversight, technical reviews, integration activities, production readiness, and program execution.
- Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, schedules, payment milestones, and contract structures to achieve program objectives while balancing cost, schedule, quality, and risk.
- Administer various contract types including fixed-price, time-and-materials, milestone-based, and cost-reimbursable agreements as applicable.
- Coordinate supplier onboarding, compliance reviews, and contracting activities in alignment with company policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with technical teams to evaluate supplier capabilities, manufacturing readiness, engineering maturity, and execution risk.
- Maintain accurate procurement, subcontract, and supplier records within Deltek Costpoint and associated procurement systems.
- Support development and continuous improvement of sourcing, subcontract management, and supplier performance management processes.
- Escalate and resolve supplier performance, schedule, quality, or contractual issues while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Required Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, supply chain, subcontracts, supplier management, or program-facing procurement roles.
- Experience managing subcontractors or suppliers performing SOW-based engineering, technical development, manufacturing, or integration work.
- Demonstrated ability to operate cross-functionally with engineering and program leadership in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
- Experience negotiating commercial agreements, SOWs, pricing, schedules, deliverables, and contractual terms.
- Strong understanding of supplier performance management, milestone tracking, and program execution principles.
- Ability to travel domestically up to 50% in support of supplier and program activities.
- Strong organizational, analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Experience working within ERP systems (Deltek Costpoint preferred).
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Ability to manage multiple complex priorities simultaneously with minimal oversight.
- Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in aerospace, defense, autonomy, robotics, or high-technology industries.
- Familiarity with FAR/DFARS and defense subcontracting practices.
- Experience supporting development programs involving engineering services, software, hardware integration, or advanced manufacturing.
- Understanding of subcontract management within government-funded or defense-related programs.
- Experience working with milestone-based development efforts, technical reviews, or gated program execution models.
- Background supporting supplier readiness reviews, manufacturing readiness, or integration and test activities.
- PMP, CPSM, CSCP, or related certification is a plus.
Why This Role is Unique
- Opportunity to support major facility expansion projects as Shield AI continues to grow.
- Work closely with engineering, facilities, and leadership teams to help build the infrastructure supporting next-generation autonomous systems.
- Join a fast-growing company where procurement professionals can directly impact large-scale projects and operational growth.
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Skills
As published by lever · 20 questions · 9 written answers
Basics
Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Twitter URL, GitHub URL, Portfolio URL, Other website
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- Did you see a LinkedIn post that encouraged or inspired you to apply for this role? optional
- Are you authorized to work in the United States?
- Will you require sponsorship for employment now or in the future?
- This position may require access to information and technology that is subject to export controls, such as EAR. Are you any of the following?
- Shield AI provides technology, services, and support to the United States military and allied forces with their various missions. If selected for employment with Shield AI, your contributions will directly relate to and/or support these missions. Are there any reasons why you would not be able to fully contribute in support of the U.S. military and allied forces?
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Written answers (9)
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