Global Sourcing Manager Sensors & Optics

Harmattan AI; Paris; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmattan AI in Paris is seeking a Global Sourcing Manager for Sensors & Optics to own the supply chain strategy for optical assemblies and sensor technologies. You will partner with Engineering, Product, Program and Production to secure parts and services critical to our systems as we scale.

You will be the first hire in this area, building the function from scratch, traveling to supplier sites as needed, negotiating robust terms, and balancing cost, reliability and quality to protect supply

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain or a related field.
• 5 to 8 years of experience sourcing optical, imaging or sensor technologies, ideally in defense, aerospace or other high-reliability industries.
• Strong technical understanding of sensors and optical assemblies, enough to challenge suppliers and engineers on feasibility and quality.
• Proven commercial skills in negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Full ownership mindset, with the ability to build a function from scratch in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel regularly to supplier sites.
• Fluency in French and English required.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the global sourcing strategy for optical and sensor technologies.
• Source specialized components, materials and manufacturing services for optical assemblies and sensor subsystems.
• Build and manage a strategic supplier network across emerging and established product lines.
• Vet vendor technical capabilities alongside engineering teams, covering performance, quality systems and production readiness.
• Negotiate and structure robust commercial terms that optimize unit economics and protect supply continuity.
• Identify and de-risk supply chain exposure across a complex, rapidly scaling electronics supply chain.
• Partner with Engineering, Product, Program and Production to align sourcing decisions with design and delivery priorities.
• Own supplier performance on cost, lead time and quality, and travel to supplier sites as needed.

Skills

Optical sensors sourcing

Supplier relationship mgmt

Contract negotiation

Strategic sourcing

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel willingness

Defense/aerospace experience

Education

Master’s degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain, or related field

Job description

About Us

Harmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, we are expanding our teams and capabilities to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces.
Our work is guided by clear values: building technologies with real-world impact, pursuing excellence in everything we do, setting ambitious goals, and taking on the hardest technical challenges. We operate in a demanding environment where rigor, ownership, and execution are expected.

About The Role

As Global Sourcing Manager Sensors & Optics, you own the supply chain strategy and sourcing for Harmattan AI’s optical assemblies and advanced sensor technologies. You are the first hire in this specialized area, working side by side with Engineering, Product, Program and Production. You secure the parts, materials and manufacturing services that are critical to our systems, balancing cost, reliability and quality as we scale.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the global sourcing strategy for optical and sensor technologies.


• Source specialized components, materials and manufacturing services for optical assemblies and sensor subsystems.


• Build and manage a strategic supplier network across emerging and established product lines.


• Vet vendor technical capabilities alongside engineering teams, covering performance, quality systems and production readiness.


• Negotiate and structure robust commercial terms that optimize unit economics and protect supply continuity.


• Identify and de-risk supply chain exposure across a complex, rapidly scaling electronics supply chain.


• Partner with Engineering, Product, Program and Production to align sourcing decisions with design and delivery priorities.


• Own supplier performance on cost, lead time and quality, and travel to supplier sites as needed.

Candidate Requirements

• Master’s degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain or a related field.


• 5 to 8 years of experience sourcing optical, imaging or sensor technologies, ideally in defense, aerospace or other high-reliability industries.


• Strong technical understanding of sensors and optical assemblies, enough to challenge suppliers and engineers on feasibility and quality.


• Proven commercial skills in negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.


• Full ownership mindset, with the ability to build a function from scratch in a fast-paced environment.


• Willingness to travel regularly to supplier sites.


• Full commitment to Harmattan AI’s mission, vision and growth plans, with a willingness to go the extra mile.


• Fluency in French and English required.

We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.