Skydio

Senior Buyer

Skydio • $136K — $213K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or Operations
  • 5 to 8 years of experience in OEM/JDM/ODM hardware business
  • Prior experience with contract manufacturing
  • Strong analytical skills for data-driven problem solving
  • Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software and ERP systems is a plus

Responsibilities

  • Plan BOM materials for optimal availability throughout the product lifecycle
  • Manage the Clear-to-Build report to ensure material readiness
  • Proactively identify and communicate supply chain risks
  • Drive Engineering Change Orders and material revision changes
  • Collaborate with purchasing to close shortages and implement supplier strategy
  • Work in a cross-functional team environment with various departments
  • Engage with system developers to enhance internal tools

Benefits

  • Paid vacation time
  • Sick leave and holiday pay
  • 401K savings plan
  • Comprehensive health insurance options
  • Equity in the form of stock options
Full Job Description
About the Role:

As a Buyer at Skydio, you will bring your supply chain and materials management knowledge and skills to enable our growth by driving dynamic Purchase Order management for our drones and docks, and visionary future products in a highly regulated environment. Your impact will be felt throughout the organization when customer orders are shipped on time and valuation of the company increases.

  • Maintain vendor and component information in ERP systems, including Standard Cost, Lead Time, MOQ, Logistics Lead Time, Payment Terms, etc.
  • Manage Purchase Orders end-to-end to support customer orders and company revenue targets. Mitigate supply chain risks and ensure supply continuity, including PO release, delivery commit, receipts and discrepancies, invoice approval and supplier corrective actions as needed.
  • Improve ERP system accuracy and expand capabilities to build a world class MRP for in house manufacturing.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders on implementing supply chain strategies and provide key delivery data for Clear-to-Build report.
  • Analyze procurement data and report on metrics including on-time delivery, PO status, vendor performance etc.
  • Support the development of key planning metrics and reports including Safety Stock Analysis, Inventory Health, Order Policies, and Cash Flow.
  • Participate in cross functional teams and support continuous improvement initiatives for cost, quality, delivery, and inventory management.


How you will make an impact:

This position plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and scalability of drone systems by securing the right materials at the right time and cost. No parts = no drones. You ensure critical components (chips, sensors, motors, batteries) are available when engineering and manufacturing need them, preventing costly delays. This ensures prototypes, builds, and production on schedule. Additionally this individual will play a key role in reducing BOM cost and improving gross margin.

What makes you a strong fit:
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain (preferably in aerospace, robotics, or electronics manufacturing).
  • Strong understanding of supply chain principles and procurement best practices.
  • Experience sourcing electronic components (PCBs, semiconductors), mechanical parts, or aerospace materials.
  • Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
  • Excellent negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
  • Experience in drone, UAV, aerospace, or high-tech hardware industries.
  • Familiarity with FAA regulations or aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100).
  • Knowledge of global sourcing and international logistics.
  • APICS certification (e.g., CPIM, CSCP) or equivalent.
  • Strategic sourcing and cost optimization
  • Supplier relationship management
  • Problem-solving and decision-making
  • Attention to detail and organization
  • Cross-functional collaboration


Compensation: At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $136,000k - $213,00k*. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company's success. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company's group health insurance plans. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company's policies and eligibility criteria.

*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position's location.

#LI-BJ1

About Skydio

Skydio is a leading manufacturer of autonomous drones for consumer and commercial use. The company's drones are equipped with advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence technology, allowing them to navigate complex environments and avoid obstacles. Skydio was founded in 2014 by a team of experts in robotics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.
Learn more about Skydio
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
2014

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Skydio

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Senior Buyer jobs: