Global Supply Chain Manager

Roboticsconnected; Iowa; On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Mind Robotics is building Physical AI for real-world industrial deployment and is expanding its supply chain from the ground up. You will identify and onboard suppliers for motors, PCBs, and precision components, negotiate pricing, and manage NDAs and supplier contracts.

You will develop cost models, drive competitive bidding, and coordinate global inbound logistics to ensure on‑time, on‑spec parts. You will partner with mechanical, electrical, firmware, and industrial design teams to influence

Qualifications

• Built supply chain at a startup before; can operate without a playbook.
• Deep understanding of supplier economics and manufacturing processes.
• Experience sourcing across multiple commodity categories (motors, PCBs, plastics, machined parts, sensors).
• Strong negotiation with both domestic and international suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers for motors, PCBs, molded parts, and sensors.
• Own procurement cycle: quotes, pricing, NDAs, supply agreements, PO issuance.
• Develop should‑cost models to drive cost reduction via bidding and supplier consolidation.
• Coordinate inbound logistics from domestic and international suppliers to balance timing and cost.
• Move from prototype builds to initial production with tooling qualification.

Skills

Startup sourcing

Negotiation

Hardware sourcing

Reading drawings

Supplier management

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain or engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

ABOUT MIND

Mind Robotics is building Physical AI for real-world industrial deployment, starting with the factory floor. We believe the hardest problems in AI are solved when researchers and engineers are hands‑on with the physical world every day - and we're looking for people who are passionate about robotics, value ownership, and are excited to tackle difficult problems. Join us if you want to move beyond digital intelligence and put intelligence into motion.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We're building robots for industrial deployment that push the limits of what hardware can do and we need someone who's done this before in the trenches, not just observed it from a distance.

You'll be part of building our supply chain from scratch, working shoulder-to-shoulder with our engineering team, and moving at a fast pace. If you've thrived in that environment before - and you're hungry to do it again - this role is for you.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers for motors (BLDC, stepper, servo), custom PCBs/PCBAs, injection‑molded parts, CNC‑machined components, cameras, connectors, and cable assemblies
• Own the full procurement cycle — issue quotes, negotiate piece pricing and tooling costs, and execute NDAs, supply agreements, and purchase orders
• Build and maintain should‑cost models across key commodities to drive cost reduction through competitive bidding, DFM feedback, and supplier consolidation
• Source components and work closely with machine shops, CMs, and CEMs to ensure parts are manufactured and shipped to spec and on time
• Develop and manage the supply chain readiness plan to move from low‑volume prototype builds (10s of units) to initial production runs (100s–1,000s of units)
• Track supplier lead times, tooling timelines, and open items across all commodities using program management tools
• Manage ongoing supplier performance — partnerships, business reviews, dispute resolution, and corrective action plans
• Coordinate inbound logistics from domestic and international suppliers, managing inventory levels to balance carrying cost against schedule risk
• Identify single‑source dependencies, long‑lead‑time components, and geopolitical risks; develop mitigation strategies including dual‑sourcing and alternate qualification plans
• Work hand‑in‑hand with mechanical, electrical, firmware, and industrial design teams — providing sourcing input on component selection, alternate parts, and make‑vs‑buy decisions early enough to actually influence outcomes

Qualifications

• You've built supply chain at a startup before. You know what it means to operate without a playbook, move fast, and own outcomes end‑to‑end — not just manage a process someone else designed
• Deep sourcing intuition — you understand supplier economics, manufacturing processes, and what drives cost at the component level
• 5+ years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or sourcing within hardware‑intensive industries such as robotics, industrial automation, consumer electronics, aerospace, or automotive
• Direct experience sourcing across multiple commodity categories — electromechanical components (motors, actuators), PCBs/PCBAs, injection‑molded parts, machined metals, cameras/sensors, or connectors
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as injection molding, die‑casting, MIM, CNC machining, and SMT assembly
• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of achieving competitive pricing and favorable terms with both domestic and international suppliers
• Experience managing the transition from prototype/NPI builds to volume production, including tooling qualification and first‑article inspection processes
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, 3D models, and technical specifications well enough to contribute meaningfully in design reviews and supplier technical discussions
• Experience working with Chinese, Japanese, or Korean suppliers and contract manufacturers is a strong plus
• You thrive in ambiguity, default to urgency, and have the drive to build — not just maintain