Strategic Sourcing Leader, Space & Defense Tech

Socket.dev; Menlo Park (CA); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

LeoLabs, based in Menlo Park, CA, is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager to shape sourcing strategies for critical radar and space hardware. You will work across Engineering, Manufacturing, Legal, and Finance to drive supplier selection, negotiations, and risk management for high-reliability programs.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in strategic sourcing within aerospace/defense or electronics and has experience with U.S. Government contracts, ITAR, and DFARS compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience developing sourcing strategies, leading RFQ/RFP processes, evaluating suppliers, and negotiating commercial agreements.
• Demonstrated experience supporting U.S. Government contracts or programs with knowledge of applicable compliance requirements (FAR/DFARS, DPAS, ITAR, CUI).
• Ability to translate technical and program requirements into supplier selection criteria, sourcing recommendations, and risk mitigation plans.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own sourcing and category strategies for critical radar, RF, electronics, mechanical, test equipment, contract manufacturing, and technical service suppliers.
• Lead competitive sourcing and complex negotiations including RFQ/RFP, total-cost analysis, pricing, lead times, and long-term agreements.
• Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing early in design to evaluate manufacturability, alternatives, and supply risks before requirements are finalised.
• Own supplier onboarding, governance, risk management, and contingency strategies with cross-functional coordination.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

RFQ/RFP processes

Negotiation

Supplier management

Cross-functional collaboration

People management

Compliance & contracts

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in related field

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

LeoLabs, based in Menlo Park, CA, is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager to shape sourcing strategies for critical radar and space hardware. You will work across Engineering, Manufacturing, Legal, and Finance to drive supplier selection, negotiations, and risk management for high-reliability programs.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in strategic sourcing within aerospace/defense or electronics and has experience with U.S. Government contracts, ITAR, and DFARS compliance.