Supply Chain Manager, Robotics Hardware

About the role

Field Ai is transforming how robots interact with the real world. We are building risk-aware, reliable, and field-ready AI systems that address the most complex challenges in robotics, unlocking the full potential of embodied intelligence. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-based architectures, and are charting a new course, with already-globally-deployed solutions delivering real-world results and rapidly improving models through real-field applications. The Supply Chain Manager will be responsible for ensuring uninterrupted supply continuity across both in-house and outsourced manufacturing operations. This role will drive material planning, supplier performance, production readiness, inventory optimization, and cost management to ensure payloads and systems are built on schedule and meet all downstream demand requirements. The ideal candidate combines strong operational execution with strategic supplier management, excels in fast-paced environments, and has experience supporting complex electromechanical products from prototype through production scale.

1. Supply Continuity & Material Planning

Determine order quantities and negotiate RFQ/RFP pricing, weigh over-ordering vs. under-ordering risk, and align sourcing timelines with S&OP/demand forecasts and production schedules.

Drive cost reduction through should-cost analysis, BOM cost modeling, and bulk pricing, while managing lead times, safety stock, and second-source strategies against EOL and tariff risk.

Manage relationships with PCB/board fabrication houses, CNC/machining shops, and contract manufacturers (CM/ODM), spanning small-batch and high-volume production.

Handle RMAs for defective parts, and support supplier quality (SQE), first-article inspection (FAI), and component qualification processes.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory accuracy, supplier performance, forecast accuracy, and operational efficiency.

2. Production & Demand Fulfillment

Ensure payloads, assemblies, and finished systems are built and delivered to meet all downstream demand requirements.

Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Program Management, and Finance to align production plans with forecasted demand.

Manage production schedules and material allocation during periods of constrained supply.

Support new product introductions (NPI) by ensuring supply chain readiness from prototype through production.

Provide supply chain visibility, metrics, and reporting to executive leadership.

1. Asset Management

Own chain-of-custody tracking for components, prototypes, and payloads. Recording ownership and location through receiving, integration, and handoff to customers.

Implement barcoding and tracking systems for high-value assets and maintain change-tracking systems for Hardware team inventory.

Build and maintain systems tracking purchase history (quantities, costs, and rates paid over time) supporting spend analysis, budgets, and procurement KPIs.

Requirements

B.S., M.S., or equivalent experience in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Minimum of 3+ years of hands-on experience in procurement or supply chain management.

Experience in hardware procurement and supply chain management, including strategic sourcing, vendor/supplier selection, and make-vs-buy decisions.

Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems, inventory planning, and demand forecasting.

Experience negotiating with vendors, fabrication houses (PCB, CNC), and contract manufacturers, including contract terms, SLAs, and pricing agreements.

Strong organizational systems experience such as asset tracking, inventory management, or equipment/asset management at scale, including barcoding and chain-of-custody systems.

Comfort with cost modeling, BOM cost analysis, budgeting/forecasting, and total cost of ownership (TCO) evaluations.

Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, finance, and legal to align procurement strategy with product roadmaps.

Nice to have

Experience scaling supply chains from prototype or low-volume production to large-scale, high-volume manufacturing across multiple vendors.

Experience supporting hardware deployed in harsh, diverse industrial field environments such as construction, energy, and mining, across global deployments.

Practical notes

This role is based in Irvine, CA.

Engagement is Full time.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

No relocation assistance is offered for this role.

The position requires interaction with physically demanding robotics hardware environments during audits, inspections, and on-site vendor coordination.