Staff Supply Chain Manager

About the role

The will own the end-to-end supply chain strategy for critical mechanical and cryogenic suppliers, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to build million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum computers. This role will lead negotiations, supplier development, and performance management for key vendors supporting photonic and cryogenic systems. The manager will act as a bridge between engineering, operations, and supplier teams to de-risk new product introductions and scale manufacturing readiness. They will establish robust processes for supplier qualification, capacity ramping, and continuous improvement across the supply base. This position is pivotal in transitioning the organization from research and development to high-volume production execution. The role demands deep expertise in complex hardware supply chains and a proactive approach to solving large-scale technical procurement challenges. Collaboration across global teams will be essential to maintain momentum toward utility-scale quantum computer deployment.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead negotiations and strategic discussions with key technology suppliers for mechanical and cryogenic components, defining delivery schedules, pricing structures, and contractual terms.
• Oversee and project manage supplier relationships and performance for large-scale, long-term engineering and capital programs, ensuring on-time delivery and quality targets.
• Scale and mature a global supply base focused on cryogenics vacuum chambers and related electronic and mechanical components, driving process standardization and scalability.
• Develop and enhance supplier selection, onboarding, and qualification processes to improve risk management and supply chain resilience.
• Develop and grow supplier technical capabilities to meet PsiQuantum's requirements, including specifications for cryoplants, opto-mechanical assemblies, and electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to translate product requirements into clear supplier expectations, facilitating design reviews, prototype validation, and production ramp activities.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators for suppliers, establishing metrics for quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness to enable data-driven decisions.
• Collaborate with procurement, finance, and operations to forecast demand, optimize inventory levels, and manage supply chain risks associated with critical technologies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the supply base, leveraging lean principles and problem-solving methodologies to enhance efficiency and reliability.
• Support the development of supplier diversity strategies and sustainability considerations where applicable to strengthen the overall supply ecosystem.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts to resolve supplier-related issues, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain detailed records of supplier interactions, agreements, and performance data to ensure traceability and compliance with organizational standards.
• Liaise with manufacturing and engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of procured components into final systems.
• Contribute to the creation of supply chain documentation, including process maps, supplier scorecards, and strategic plans.
• Provide technical guidance to suppliers on PsiQuantum's requirements, fostering stronger partnerships and mutual understanding.
• Support the identification and evaluation of new suppliers to meet evolving production and technology needs.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements relevant to the supply chain function.
• Act as a primary point of contact for supplier escalations, working to resolve issues efficiently and maintain strong working relationships.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of eight years of experience in supply chain management or a related field, with a demonstrated history of managing complex supplier relationships.
• Minimum of four years of experience in New Product Introduction (NPI) within a technology or manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of four years of experience in ramping supplier capacity and managing production scale-up activities.
• Minimum of four years of experience in developing supply chain technical capabilities, processes, and programs.
• Hands-on experience with cryoplants, cryogenics, opto-mechanical assemblies, or electro-mechanical assemblies is required.
• Demonstrated success in managing suppliers in a high-tech, precision manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of supplier qualification, selection, and on-boarding methodologies.
• Experience with performance management and root cause analysis techniques such as 8D, CAPA, or similar.
• Proficiency in supply chain management tools and enterprise software systems.
• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across global teams.
• Willingness to travel as required for supplier visits, industry events, and project engagements.

Nice to have

• Preferred experience in the quantum computing, semiconductor, or photonics industries.
• Familiarity with high-vacuum systems and ultra-high purity materials.
• Knowledge of automated optical inspection or advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Experience with suppliers in government or regulated environments.

Practical notes

• This is a full-time position based in Milpitas, California, United States.
• Willingness to travel is required as part of the role.
• Candidates must meet the outlined experience and technical requirements.
• The position is subject to background checks and employment eligibility verification.