What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sourcing Manager position at Chirp Robotics?
Chirp Robotics Corporation is a defense technology company building next-generation drone defense systems with engineering at its core. Our mission is to defend those on the front lines by delivering reliable, low-cost autonomous systems designed to neutralize aerial threats at scale.
At Chirp, we believe great engineering teams—empowered, trusted, and focused—are the key to solving the hardest defense challenges. We blend deep technical expertise with a fast, iterative development model to design, test, and field capable systems in record time.
As our Sourcing Manager you will be at the forefront of developing a robust supply chain. You should have a deep understanding of ITAR compliance, high volume manufacturing, and cost-effective materials sourcing. You will be responsible for sourcing key materials and developing manufacturing capabilities to ensure high volume production efficiency.
Responsibilities:
- Material sourcing: Identify, source, and purchase materials such as carbon fiber, plastics, and metals.
- Supplier and Manufacturer Identification: Research, identify, and vet suppliers and manufacturers capable of high-volume production of LiPo batteries, brushless motors, and other components. Identify machine shops, fabricators, and assembly houses to manufacture custom components.
- Negotiate Pricing and Terms: Work closely with suppliers to negotiate cost-effective pricing, lead times, and terms.
- PCB Manufacturing & Assembly: Identify and manage vendors who can manufacture and assemble PCB boards to specification. Ensure timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
- Quality Assurance: Ensure all materials and components sourced meet the stringent quality standards.
- Vendor Management: Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers, ensuring long-term, reliable partnerships. Regularly assess vendor performance and resolve any supply chain issues.
- Cost Optimization: Focus on low-cost, high-volume production by identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or compliance. Work with the engineering and design teams to source materials that meet the project requirements at optimal cost.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the engineering, design, and production teams to source materials that meet project requirements and contribute to timely, efficient production.
Qualifications:
- Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in procurement or sourcing for the aerospace, defense, or related industries that are ITAR regulated.
- Expertise in Materials: Strong knowledge of aerospace materials (e.g., plastics, composites, carbon fiber, metals) and their sourcing.
- Expertise in Electronics manufacture: Familiarity with BOM management, PCB manufacturing, and PCB assembly.
- Compliance Understanding: Understanding of ITAR regulations and experience managing procurement processes that comply with government regulations.
- Negotiation Skills: Excellent negotiation skills with a proven track record of securing cost-effective contracts for high-volume production.
- Project Management: Ability to manage multiple sourcing projects simultaneously, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, quality control, and management teams.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field or equivalent experience. Relevant certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPM) are a plus.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to develop and own complex supply chains.
- Hands-on experience with a broad range of technical challenges.
- Collaborative and growth-oriented work environment.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
At Chirp Robotics, we believe that exceptional teams deserve exceptional support. Our compensation packages are designed to reflect the value of your contributions and provide stability, flexibility, and room to grow. The salary range for each role is based on multiple factors, including your experience, education, skillset, and business needs. In addition to a competitive base salary, most full-time roles include equity grants—ensuring every team member has a stake in our mission and future.
We're proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time U.S.-based employees.
Chirp Robotics is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse backgrounds, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to building the future of defense technology.
If you're passionate about solving real-world defense challenges with a tight-knit, high-trust engineering team—we'd love to hear from you.