Technical Procurement Specialist

Rippling, Inc.; Falmouth; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Engineered Arts is seeking a Technical Procurement Specialist to join a compact, skilled team developing advanced humanoid robotics. You will understand mechanical/electronic requirements and execute sourcing, supplier management and procurement for production and R&D projects.

The role supports fast-paced hardware manufacturing, with responsibilities spanning BOM interpretation, supplier onboarding, audits and maintaining supplier data. Remote-friendly with bi-monthly visits to Falmouth HQ.

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement within hardware manufacturing, preferably small-to-mid volume production.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, electronic schematics, and 2D/3D files to source parts.
• Sourcing custom components (machined parts, PCBAs, wiring looms) and off-the-shelf items.
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship-management skills for quality, delivery and terms.
• Cross-functional collaboration with mechanical/electronics engineers, QC, manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Build deep understanding of BOMs for robotic devices and procure accordingly.
• Interpret engineering drawings, schematics and 3D files to source parts.
• Engage suppliers on technical, financial and timeline topics to support manufacturing.
• Procure custom components and off-the-shelf parts across varied quantities.
• Manage supplier relationships for timely, high-quality procurement on favourable terms.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers, coordinating with QC for qualification.
• Support supplier audits and maintain detailed procurement documentation.
• Coordinate with production teams to align procurement with schedules.
• Source bespoke, low-volume components with competitive pricing and lead times.
• Keep procurement in sync with rapid R&D-driven design changes.

Skills

Engineering drawings interpretation

Supplier negotiation

Cross-functional communication

ERP/MRP systems

Robotics/mechatronics knowledge

Lead-time management

Technical buying in hardware

Education

Degree in engineering/manufacturing/supply chain

CIPS certification

Tools

ERP/MRP system familiarity

Job description

We are looking for a Technical Procurement Specialist to join a small, highly skilled team building advanced, socially capable humanoid robotic platforms capable of dynamic, real‑world operation. You will be responsible for understanding detailed engineering requirements (mechanical and electronic) and executing sourcing, supplier management and procurement activities.

This role spans both our production activities as well as working with our development team on new and exciting robotics projects.

The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced hardware manufacturing environments and has demonstrated success delivering high-performance technical procurement in small to mid volume production.

This role can be worked remotely with bi-monthly visits to the Falmouth HQ

Main Responsibilities

• Build in depth understanding of the BOMs of cutting edge robotic devices, including understanding of existing manufacture and procurement methods used
• Interact with mechanical and electronics design engineers to understand design intent and specification details, including the interpretation of engineering drawings, electronic schematics and other 2D and 3D design files
• Hold discussions with suppliers across technical, financial and time-line topics to arrange required procurement to support manufacturing activities
• Execute procurement across a range of custom component types, including machined parts, PCBAs and wiring looms, in addition to off-the-shelf parts ranging from screws to pneumatic parts to electric motors
• Own supplier relationships to ensure timely, high quality procurement on favourable terms that support business operations
• Identify, select, qualify and on-board new suppliers as required, coordinating with the Senior QC Engineer to ensure quality standards are met during qualification
• Support supplier audits to assess capability, capacity and compliance, working in collaboration with the Senior QC Engineer
• Maintain detailed documentation and data tracking supplier relationships, orders, prices, lead times, specifications, concessions, delivery schedules and other related information
• Collaborate with other members of the production team (e.g. manufacturing, assembly) to coordinate and synchronise procurement activities with overall manufacturing schedules
• Sourcing bespoke, low-volume components — many parts are custom (machined parts, PCBAs, wiring looms) and ordered in small-to-mid quantities, the challenge is achieving competitive pricing, favourable terms and reliable lead times
• Keeping pace with an R&D-driven design environment — designs evolve rapidly, so procurement must stay synchronised with frequent engineering changes, revised specifications and shifting BOMs without disrupting build schedules.
• Bridging technical and commercial worlds — success depends on accurately interpreting engineering drawings, schematics and 3D files, then translating that intent into clear, unambiguous requirements for a wide range of suppliers.
• Balancing cost, quality and time under pressure — securing on-time delivery to the required quality standard across geographically diverse suppliers, while resolving non-conformances and protecting overall production timelines.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Key Skills and Experience

• Proven procurement or technical buying experience within a hardware manufacturing environment, ideally small-to-mid volume production.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, electronic schematics, and 2D/3D design files well enough to source parts accurately and discuss requirements with design engineers.
• Hands-on experience sourcing custom components (e.g. machined parts, PCBAs, wiring looms) alongside off-the-shelf items such as fasteners, motors and pneumatic parts.
• Strong supplier negotiation and relationship-management skills, with a track record of securing quality, delivery and favourable commercial terms.
• Confident cross-functional communicator, able to work closely with mechanical and electronics engineers, quality, and manufacturing/assembly teams.
• Highly organised and data-driven, with experience maintaining accurate procurement records (orders, prices, lead times, specifications, concessions and delivery schedules), typically within an ERP/MRP system.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, changeable environment where priorities and designs shift frequently.
• Background in robotics, mechatronics, automotive, aerospace or another complex electromechanical product sector.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in an engineering, manufacturing or supply chain discipline.
• Professional procurement accreditation (e.g. CIPS).
• Working knowledge of PCBA manufacture and electronic component sourcing, including navigating component obsolescence and long lead-time parts.
• Established network of UK and international suppliers, including specialist and machine-shop manufacturers.
• Familiarity with quality standards and processes (e.g. ISO 9001) and managing supplier non-conformance.
• Experience identifying, qualifying and on-boarding new suppliers, and driving supply‑chain or cost‑improvement initiatives.

About Engineered Arts

Engineered Arts is the leading manufacturer of full-size humanoid robots used for entertainment, education and communication. With 20 years of hardware and software development, our robots have been sold in over 30 countries worldwide with customers such as NASA, PwC, Meta and many more.

Our Ameca robot is well known as ‘the face of AI’ and a social media viral success, taking advantage of the generative AI craze. Along with our ultra-realistic Mesmer range of animated figures our robots continue to surprise and excite visitors at museums, theme parks, visitor attractions and trade shows as well as aid leading universities with AI and robotics research. Our robots are poised to break into the future mega-expansion service robot segment, with applications such as front of house, receptions, check-in desks, information points and PoS.

We are a team of dedicated engineers and creatives striving to develop the very best experiences for our customers. Our internal motto is ‘ Be Wow ’, everything we do is fun, entertaining or surprising to encounter. We always push the boundaries of what is possible in humanoid robotics, researching and developing new systems and techniques to further their appeal. We explore and challenge the human perception of robots as well as the fear and discomfort and the excitement and joy life‑like mechanical