Senior Global Supply Manager, Camera

About the role

You will own the end-to-end strategic sourcing and supplier development lifecycle for camera and thermal imaging technologies across Skydio's global drone platforms. You will develop and execute commodity-specific sourcing strategies that balance cost targets, quality standards, and supply continuity for critical sensing components. This role requires deep collaboration with engineering, product management, and manufacturing to translate technical requirements into scalable supplier strategies. You will manage the full procurement process, including supplier qualification, negotiations, and relationship management to ensure seamless technology transfer and production ramp. The position demands continuous market intelligence gathering and technology scouting to identify emerging capabilities and innovative partners. You will analyze economic and currency trends to mitigate financial risk and optimize total cost of ownership. Ultimately, you will ensure that high-quality thermal imaging sensors, camera modules, and multi-sensor payloads are delivered on time to meet ambitious business and operational goals.

Key facts

What you'll do

Develop comprehensive global strategic sourcing roadmaps for camera and thermal imaging technologies aligned with business forecasts and market dynamics.

Lead end-to-end procurement activities for camera components, modules, and sensors, managing documentation, supplier agreements, and commercial terms.

Establish explicit linkages between global sourcing strategy, business objectives, and production requirements to ensure alignment and execution fidelity.

Drive strategic negotiations and technology partnerships covering thermal sensors, optics, image sensors, and integrated camera systems to meet cost, quality, and continuity targets.

Own contribution margin analysis and cost reduction initiatives in collaboration with cross-functional teams focused on process improvement and supply chain innovation.

Perform supplier capability assessments, audits, and visits to evaluate capacity, fit, and performance against defined criteria.

Identify and qualify alternative and new sources to strengthen technology roadmaps, ensure supply continuity, and enhance cost competitiveness.

Initiate and execute cost efficiency programs that preserve product quality and reliability while reducing total cost of ownership.

Monitor advancements in thermal imaging, infrared detectors, optics, and image processing to uncover emerging technologies and strategic sourcing opportunities.

Build and maintain deep market intelligence on thermal imaging and camera ecosystems, including sensor vendors, optics manufacturers, and module integrators.

Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to influence camera architecture decisions, balancing performance, risk, manufacturability, and cost.

Communicate sourcing strategies and decisions to key internal stakeholders to secure buy-in, accountability, and shared ownership of outcomes.

Requirements

Candidates must hold an MBA and a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in a technical field.

Bring a minimum of 5 years of high-impact strategic sourcing experience with technically complex components and commodities.

Possess 5 or more years of experience sourcing advanced camera, optical, imaging, or thermal sensing technologies, with direct thermal camera or infrared sensor supply chain experience strongly preferred.

Demonstrate thorough understanding of thermal imaging technologies, including modules, infrared detectors, LWIR systems, optics, image quality, calibration, and system-level performance tradeoffs.

Have a proven track record leading supplier selection, qualification, and commercial negotiations for camera modules, thermal imaging systems, sensors, optics, or related technologies.

Show competence in interpreting drawings, specifications, conducting cost analysis, and applying commodity value stream mapping techniques.

Exhibit ability to perform supplier assessments and in-depth commodity market analysis to inform sourcing decisions.

Demonstrate ability to technically discuss form, fit, and function for complex commodities and components.

Bring experience in manufacturing operations, planning, engineering, or supply management to bridge technical and production requirements.

Nice to have

Experience with multi-sensor payloads and advanced camera systems relevant to drone and aerial platforms.

Familiarity with calibration methodologies and quality assurance processes for imaging and sensing technologies.

Knowledge of applicable regulations and compliance considerations for camera and sensor components in commercial drone markets.

Practical notes

This role is full time based in San Mateo, California, United States.

No remote or hybrid work arrangements are specified in the source material.

No travel expectations, visa sponsorship details, application deadlines, or official application page references are provided in the source material.