Sourcing Lead – Mechanical & Optical Components

United States Digital Space LLC

United States

On-site

USD 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

United States Digital Space LLC is seeking a Sourcing Specialist for mechanical and optical commodities to support Starlink programs. You will build and manage a global supplier base, negotiate pricing and terms, and ensure supply continuity for rapid design iterations and mass production.

Collaboration with engineering on NPI, design changes, and production transitions is essential. The role requires strong procurement experience, technical sourcing for machined/optical components, and a proven

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years of experience working in purchasing, procurement, material planning, production planning, supply chain management, or engineering.
3+ years of procurement experience in direct commodity sourcing.
Technical procurement or planning experience with machined, optical, or photonic components.
Experience in new product introduction (NPI) and mass production (MP).
Experience reading technical drawings, data sheets, fabrication drawing, BOMs and all related files.
Drive piece price and tooling negotiation process to ensure that the company’s commodity pricing meet best-in-class expectations, while meeting best-in-class quality, in addition to driving continual cost reduction and avoidance initiatives through ad-hoc price negotiations
Address all areas of category management including category business plans, market conditions, technology roadmaps, cost modeling, and sourcing strategies
Proven track record of taking ownership, successfully negotiating preferred pricing, and driving results
Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to respond quickly in a fast-moving and ever-changing environment
Exceptional analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills
Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
Conducts all activities with the highest level of integrity

Responsibilities

Develop and manage supply base (domestic and international) that enables rapid design iteration
Work directly with key suppliers to develop and implement sourcing and cost management strategies that support existing platforms and new product development
Own supply continuity, capacity planning, and production readiness for rapidly scaling programs
Drive supplier negotiations including pricing, LTAs, capacity investments, lead times, and commercial terms to ensure continuity of supply and protect the company interests
Monitor global industry trends, track technology roadmaps, and actively partner with the design teams to identify and mitigate supply and demand challenges
Drive supplier negotiations including pricing, LTAs, capacity investments, lead times, and commercial terms
Partner with engineering teams to support new product introduction (NPI), design changes, qualification activities, and production transitions
Build and maintain sourcing strategies including multi source development, vertical integration opportunities, and new manufacturing techniques
Lead executive-level supplier escalations and recovery efforts for quality, delivery, and technical risks
Develop clear risk assessments, mitigation plans, and production recovery strategies
Monitor and improve supplier performance including delivery, quality, responsiveness, and cost
Drive end-to-end ownership of hardware from material readiness for prototype builds through full-rate production
Manage costs to ensure alignment with program budget
Present value propositions to executives, including those related to contract award, cost reviews, cost reduction strategies, and critical supply issues