Supply Chain Engineer

TerraFirma; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in TerraFirma

Relocation assistance

Job summary

TerraFirma in Austin, TX seeks a hands-on purchasing professional to own sourcing across engineering, construction, and field operations. You will work with engineers to understand requirements, find viable alternatives, and keep critical builds moving with timely deliveries.

This role demands technical judgment, strong procurement execution, and the ability to manage vendors, pricing, and international logistics. Relocation to Austin is expected if not within commuting distance.

Qualifications

• 3 or more years of experience in technical purchasing or related field.
• Ability to understand technical specifications, bills of materials, and equipment requirements.
• Experience sourcing components, machinery, materials, or technical services.
• Strong organizational, analytical, spreadsheet, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own purchasing from initial request through payment and delivery.
• Source technical components, vehicle-kit hardware, machines, equipment, construction materials, and operational supplies.
• Identify substitute components and present engineers with well-researched recommendations.
• Support kit production by tracking pricing, availability, lead times, and order status.
• Maintain an accurate, actionable view of available machines and heavy equipment.
• Manage vendors, quotes, purchase orders, invoices, budgets, and domestic and international logistics.

Skills

Technical purchasing

Supply chain management

Vendor management

Contract negotiation

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Spreadsheet proficiency

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Job Overview

You will own purchasing across TerraFirma’s engineering, construction, and field operations. This includes sourcing PCBs, electronic components, mechanical hardware, vehicle‑kit parts, heavy machinery, construction materials, equipment, and operational supplies. You will work closely with engineering teams to understand technical requirements, find viable alternatives when parts are unavailable, and keep critical builds and deployments moving. This is a hands‑on role for someone who can combine technical judgment with strong purchasing and operational execution.

Responsibilities

• Own purchasing from initial request through payment and delivery
• Source technical components, vehicle‑kit hardware, machines, equipment, construction materials, and operational supplies
• Identify substitute components and present engineers with well‑researched recommendations
• Support kit production by tracking pricing, availability, lead times, and order status
• Maintain an accurate, actionable view of available machines and heavy equipment
• Manage vendors, quotes, purchase orders, invoices, budgets, and domestic and international logistics

Basic Qualifications

• 3 or more years of experience in technical purchasing, supply chain, procurement, engineering operations, manufacturing, construction, or a related field
• Ability to understand technical specifications, bills of materials, and equipment requirements
• Experience sourcing components, machinery, materials, or technical services
• Strong organizational, analytical, spreadsheet, and communication skills

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Engineering degree or experience working closely with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, or robotics teams
• Experience sourcing PCBs, electronic components, mechanical hardware, or production parts
• Experience supporting hardware production or identifying alternatives during component shortages
• Experience purchasing heavy equipment or construction materials
• Experience with ERP systems, international shipping, or government programs

Additional Requirements

• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced startup environment
• Must be willing to relocate to Austin, TX if not within commuting distance
• Must be willing to work extended hours or weekends when needed to support critical engineering, production, or operational deadlines

Compensation & Benefits

Base compensation will vary based on factors such as relevant experience and education. Salaries and leveling will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis if an offer is extended. Our total compensation package also includes equity in TerraFirma. Relocation packages are available to help cover moving costs, if applicable.