Global Supply Manager, Mechanical & Softgoods

About the job

The Mechanical & Softgoods Global Supply Manager owns the global sourcing strategy for high-precision mechanical assemblies and specialized softgoods used in humanoid robots. This role is accountable for supplier selection, cost, capacity, quality, and risk across the mechanical and softgoods supply base, from prototype builds to volume production.

You will work directly with Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program teams to ensure parts are manufacturable, scalable, and delivered on time. The goal is simple: accelerate the journey from design to deployment by securing high-precision hardware that meets aggressive timelines and scale, while maintaining a rigorous focus on cost efficiency and quality.

Responsibilities

Global Sourcing & Supplier Strategy

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies across both rigid mechanical components (CNC-machined parts, die castings, injection-molded plastics, metal injection molding) and softgoods (technical textiles, compression-molded foams, synthetic skins, and precision-stitched assemblies).
• Identify, qualify, and onboard suppliers capable of supporting rapid iteration and production ramps.
• Lead RFQs, cost modeling, and supplier negotiations across global regions.
• Drive supplier footprint decisions aligned with cost, capacity, and geopolitical risk.

Cost, Tooling & Scalability

• Own should-cost models and drive costs down through design collaboration, process optimization, and commercial negotiations.
• Define tooling strategies, capacity investments, and ramp plans with suppliers.
• Balance prototype speed with production scalability without burning bridges or budgets.

NPI & Engineering Partnership

• Support NPI from early design through production ramp.
• Partner with Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design to influence DFM/DFA and reduce cost and lead time.
• Source and manage prototype, pilot, and production suppliers while meeting aggressive timelines.
• Drive accuracy and cost tracking across the full mechanical and softgoods bill of materials.

Supplier Performance & Risk Management

• Own supplier performance across quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness.
• Lead capacity planning, dual-sourcing, and risk mitigation for long-lead and critical parts.
• Resolve supply disruptions decisively and prevent repeats.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as the supply chain owner for mechanical systems and subassemblies.
• Communicate sourcing strategies, risks, and tradeoffs clearly to technical and executive teams.
• Operate with urgency, data, and accountability in a fast-moving robotics environment.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 7+ years of global sourcing or supply chain experience for complex hardware.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining, casting, injection molding, metal injection molding, and mechanical assembly processes.
• Direct experience sourcing softgoods such as foams, TPU, or technical textiles for robotics, aerospace, high-performance outdoor gear, or complex hardware products.
• Proven experience managing Tier 1 contract manufacturers and top-level assembly (TLA) partners for complex subsystems.
• Experience supporting NPI and scaling production in hardware-focused companies.
• Demonstrated success negotiating multi-million-dollar contracts and managing high-stakes supplier relationships.
• Ability to operate in an environment of high ambiguity and rapid iteration.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering or business field (MBA).
• Experience in robotics, EV, automotive, or high-volume electromechanical products.
• Sourcing experience across Asia, North America, and Europe.
• Comfortable working directly with drawings, BOMs, and detailed cost breakdowns.

Compensation

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $140,000 – $220,000 annually.
Compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components and benefits, which will be shared if an employment offer is extended.