Job Summary
This role builds Knightscope's strategic sourcing and supplier development function. The Supply Chain Manager owns the supplier base end-to-end - identification, qualification, negotiation, development, and performance - and brings suppliers into the design process early, so Knightscope leverages supplier engineering talent and sourcing is locked before design release.
Location Requirement: Full-time, on-site at Knightscope HQ (KHQ), Sunnyvale, CA
The Manager leads the buying team and the Senior Supply Engineer, partners daily with the Chief Program Engineers on new product introduction (K7 ASR, K1 platform, H1), and is accountable for material availability, cost, lead time, and supplier quality across current production and NPI.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies by commodity (PCBAs, harnesses, machining, sheet metal, sensors, batteries, painted parts): supplier segmentation, qualification, and rationalization.
- Negotiate pricing, long-term agreements, and terms that improve cost, lead time, quality, and resilience - every strategic part under a negotiated agreement, not a one-off PO.
- Build a resilient, predominantly domestic supply base consistent with an exclusively U.S.-focused business, including dual-sourcing for critical components.
- Negotiate and manage outside-processing agreements (build partners, paint, fabrication, cable assembly) on commercial terms, capacity, and performance.
Supplier Development & Early Involvement
- Own supplier relationships and performance: scorecards, quarterly business reviews, corrective actions, and development plans that raise supplier capability over time.
- Institutionalize Early Supplier Involvement in NPI: partner with the Chief Program Engineers so suppliers contribute technical expertise, DFM input, and engineering resources during design - and sourcing decisions are made before design release.
- Establish clear procurement ownership, workflows, and service levels so all sourcing and purchasing runs through the supply chain organization.
- Drive supplier quality with Manufacturing and Quality: incoming quality, 8D/CAPA closure, and cost recovery where warranted.
Planning, Systems & Execution
- Own demand planning, forecasting, min/max and safety stock strategies; implement zero-quantity fail-safes so shortages are surfaced and resolved before they stop the line.
- Own working capital in materials: inventory carrying cost, backlog coverage by inventory, and excess/obsolete prevention (including phase-out controls when products are retired).
- Operate and extend the floor replenishment system: Kanban bins, reorder points, and barcode/scanner infrastructure with Manufacturing and Materials.
- Own BOM accuracy and procurement data quality in NetSuite, including clean item and vendor master data.
- Lead, develop, and hold accountable the buying team and Senior Supply Engineer; own PO execution quality, cadence, and documentation.
- Report supply chain KPIs to the Director of Manufacturing: material availability, supplier on-time delivery, lead times, cost savings, and supplier quality.
Required Qualifications
- 10+ years in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain for electromechanical products, including 2+ years managing buyers or a sourcing team.
- Proven supplier development track record: measurably improved supplier cost, quality, or delivery through structured programs - not just expediting.
- Demonstrated negotiation results: long-term agreements, pricing programs, and contracts with quantified savings.
- Hands-on NPI sourcing experience: has embedded suppliers early in a product development cycle and managed sourcing through design release.
- Strong command of ERP/MRP-driven planning (NetSuite strongly preferred): MRP, min/max, safety stock, BOM management.
- Thrives in a low-volume, high-mix, fast-changing environment; builds process where none exists.
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or equivalent practical experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- AI-first mindset.
- Robotics, automotive, aerospace/defense, or IoT hardware sourcing experience.
- APICS CPIM/CSCP or equivalent certification.
- Experience building procurement systems, dashboards, or workflow automation.
- Technical fluency sufficient to read drawings and engage supplier engineering teams directly.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $145,000 - $175,000 (DOE)
- Equity: Stock options
- Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off
- Location Requirement: Full-time, on-site at Knightscope HQ (KHQ), Sunnyvale, CA
