Supply Chain - Senior Associate

AgniKul Cosmos; Tamil Nadu; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Agnikul Cosmos in Tamil Nadu is seeking a hands-on Supply Chain & Procurement professional to manage vendor sourcing, cost negotiations, project requirements, and end-to-end component procurement. The role requires interfacing with design, quality, and manufacturing teams to ensure compliant, cost-efficient supply of aerospace-grade components.

The candidate should have 5–10 years in procurement or supply chain, a Bachelor’s degree, and familiarity with GD&T, ITAR/EAR controls, and ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
• Experience sourcing mechanical, electrical or precision-machined components.
• Basic knowledge of negotiation principles and cost estimates.
• 5–10 years in procurement, supply chain or vendor management (aerospace/defense/manufacturing preferred).
• Understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T and technical specs.
• Understanding ITAR/EAR export control requirements.

Responsibilities

• Identify project requirements and dependencies through cross-team interactions.
• Coordinate with design, quality and manufacturing on specs and non-conformances.
• Develop project estimates including phases, elements and costs.
• Source vendors and develop sourcing strategies; perform make-vs-buy analyses.
• Ensure vendor compliance with AS9100 and export controls.

Skills

Negotiation

Vendor management

Project coordination

Cost estimates

Sourcing

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

ERP systems

AS9100 compliance

Job description

ABOUT

We are looking for a hands-on Supply Chain & Procurement professional who can manage vendor sourcing, cost negotiations, project requirements, and end-to-end component procurement.

• - If you’d rather visit the vendor than visit another Excel sheet — this is for you.
• - If you see negotiation not as a skill, but as a way of life — this is for you.
• - If you obsess about line processes vs. batch processes - this is for you
• - If you have wondered why Apple outsources its manufacturing outside USA - this is for you
• - If you understand Lead and Lean in a same sentence - this is for you

Agnikul Cosmos is a company incubated at IIT Madras and we build rockets that can take satellites up to 500 kg to Lower Earth Orbit (LEO). In May 2024, we successfully completed our maiden launch from our own launchpad (India's first private launchpad). The launch has proven all the new technologies developed by Agnikul and also earned recognition from Honourable Prime Minister of India.

We are looking for a hands-on Supply Chain & Procurement professional who can manage vendor sourcing, cost negotiations, project requirements, and end-to-end component procurement.

• - If you’d rather visit the vendor than visit another Excel sheet — this is for you.
• - If you see negotiation not as a skill, but as a way of life — this is for you.
• - If you obsess about line processes vs. batch processes - this is for you
• - If you have wondered why Apple outsources its manufacturing outside USA - this is for you
• - If you understand Lead and Lean in a same sentence - this is for you

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify project requirements and the respective dependencies through interactions with various teams

• Coordinate closely with design, quality, and manufacturing teams on spec changes and non-conformances

• Develop project estimates by identifying project phases, key elements, personnel requirements, and associated costs.

• Source suitable vendors from the market and develop innovative sourcing strategies. Also, perform make-vs-buy analysis in coordination with relevant teams

• Ensure vendor compliance with AS9100 (aerospace quality standard) and relevant ITAR/EAR export control regulations

• Prepare cost comparison reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing technical and commercial information

• Negotiate with vendors to secure the best prices and commercial terms, and prepare vendor contracts that safeguard the best interests of the company

• Track the delivery of components from vendors, prepare necessary paperwork for shipping and also assist the team in assessing product quality

• Coordinate with vendors to facilitate the replacement or repair of procured components when required

• Manage vendor payment schedules and adopt best vendor account management practices

• Analyze project requirements and maintain a comprehensive vendor database to support current and future projects

• Identify and mitigate single-source/sole-source supplier risks, especially for long-lead or specialty items (propellant-grade materials, avionics-grade electronics)

• Monitor supplier financial health and business continuity risk

• Track long-lead-time items and manage obsolescence risk for components

• Use/maintain ERP systems for procurement planning and inventory visibility

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree

• Experience in sourcing mechanical, electrical, or precision-machined components

• Basic knowledge of negotiation principles and cost estimates

• 5 to 10 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or vendor management (aerospace, defense, or manufacturing industry preferred)

• Understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications

• Understanding of ITAR/EAR export control requirements