a16z Strategic Sourcing Manager (R4766)
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.
Two openings: 1 focused on Mechanical/Structure commodities and one focused on Electrical commodities.
The Manager, Strategic Sourcing – Electronics will lead the global sourcing strategy, supplier management, and cost optimization initiatives for Shield AI’s mechanical and structural commodities, electronic components, PCBA, harnessing, and subsystem commodities. This leader will partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program management teams to ensure supply continuity, competitive cost structures, and the development of a robust, technically capable supply base supporting current and future product lines.
The Manager, Strategic Sourcing – Electronics will lead the global sourcing strategy, supplier management, and cost optimization initiatives for Shield AI’s mechanical and structural commodities, electronic components, PCBA, harnessing, and subsystem commodities. This leader will partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program management teams to ensure supply continuity, competitive cost structures, and the development of a robust, technically capable supply base supporting current and future product lines.
What you'll do
- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute the long-term sourcing strategy for electronic and electromechanical components, including PCBAs, harnesses, connectors, sensors, and embedded systems.
- Own the supplier category roadmap — balancing cost, technology, capacity, and risk management across global supply chains.
- Drive make-vs-buy analyses and business cases that optimize total cost of ownership (TCO) and mitigate single-source risk.
- Establish sourcing policies, metrics, and governance aligned with corporate and program-level goals.
- Supplier Management
- Identify, qualify, and develop a strategic supplier base capable of supporting high-mix, low-to-medium volume production for aerospace and defense applications.
- Negotiate and manage long-term agreements (LTAs), supplier performance reviews, and cost-reduction initiatives.
- Lead supplier business reviews and quarterly operating reviews (QBRs) focusing on delivery, quality, cost, and technical capability.
- Partner with Supplier development and Engineering to ensure AS9100 compliance, FAI completion, and audit readiness.
- Cross-Functional Execution
- Collaborate with Engineering to ensure early supplier involvement (ESI) during product development and NPI phases.
- Work closely with Operations and Program Teams to align material readiness with production schedules and customer milestones.
- Partner with Finance and Legal to structure commercial terms, manage supplier liabilities, and ensure compliance with DFARS, ITAR, and export regulations.
- Support supply risk management and business continuity planning across all electronics categories.
- Data & Process Ownership
- Lead cost modeling, benchmarking, and should-cost analysis to guide sourcing decisions.
- Utilize ERP/MRP and analytics tools to manage spend visibility, supplier KPIs, and material forecasting accuracy.
- Develop and mentor a high-performing sourcing team focused on execution excellence, supplier innovation, and continuous improvement.
Required qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Electrical Engineering, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred) or equivalent relevant experience
- 7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or supply chain management with a focus on electronics, PCBA, or electromechanical commodities OR mechanical commodities
- Proven experience in defense, aerospace, or high-reliability manufacturing environments
- Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations, cost reduction initiatives, and long-term contract management
- Deep understanding of electronics manufacturing processes, including PCB fabrication, SMT assembly, and harness production OR mechanical commodities
- Strong business acumen with ability to translate technical and commercial data into strategic sourcing actions
- Excellent communication, influencing, and cross-functional leadership skills
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.