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Firestorm · 1 day ago

Sourcing Manager

San Diego, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$134K/yr - $158K/yr

5+ years exp

Firestorm is a VC-backed company aiming to revolutionize defense solutions through innovative technologies. The Sourcing Manager will drive sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships to ensure the successful transition of hardware from prototype to production, while maintaining compliance with various regulations.

AerospaceArtificial Intelligence (AI)Drones

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Lead strategic sourcing initiatives across all commodities, developing innovative strategies that drive cost-effective procurement from New Product Introduction (NPI) through prototype and production scale-up, ensuring programs launch and scale efficiently

Identify, qualify, and onboard suppliers that meet engineering, DoD, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements, while expanding Firestorm’s global supplier network to improve capacity, resiliency, and performance

Manage the full RFP process, evaluate proposals, negotiate commercial terms and contracts, create award recommendations, and establish agreements that optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance

Analyze supplier data, conduct market research, and benchmark industry best practices to identify opportunities for expanding the Approved Supplier List and improving the supply base

Monitor and manage supplier performance across quality, cost, and delivery, proactively mitigating risks and escalating issues to maintain mission-critical program timelines and meet strict production schedules

Ensure sourcing activities comply with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, NIST 800-171, and internal policies, while supporting internal and external audits, including DCAA/DCMA reviews, supplier quality audits, and cybersecurity assessments

Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product, and business development teams to align sourcing strategies with the product roadmap, forecasted demand, and future revenue streams, ensuring all programs meet business, technical, and financial goals

Support engineering and operations in identifying and qualifying suppliers for specialized technologies, additive manufacturing, and advanced hardware systems, contributing to R&D procurement and prototype builds

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by implementing procedural enhancements, standardizing sourcing processes, and identifying opportunities to increase efficiency, quality, and supplier engagement across programs

Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customers to ensure seamless acquisition of materials and services, maintaining transparency and collaboration throughout complex, fast-paced programs

Qualification

Sourcing strategiesSupplier negotiationsFAR/DFARS complianceNew Product IntroductionManufacturing processesSupplier performance managementMarket researchCost reductionCross-functional collaborationCommunication skillsProblem-solvingAdaptabilityTeamworkAttention to detailTime management

Required

Bachelor's degree in engineering, supply chain, business or a related field

5+ years of progressive supply chain or sourcing experience in a manufacturing or technology environment

U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations

Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) and Product Lifecycle Change Management processes

Hands-on experience sourcing and procuring commodities for domestic and international production builds

Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and engineering BOMs

Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations, cost reduction, and supplier performance management

Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and U.S. Government acquisition regulations

Ability to learn quickly, apply new concepts accurately, and manage evolving priorities

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities

Clear and professional communication with technical and non-technical users

Preferred

10+ years of sourcing or supply chain experience in aerospace, defense, or high-tech hardware industries

Demonstrated experience interfacing with DCAA, DCMA, or other U.S. Government oversight agencies

International sourcing experience (e.g., East or South Asia)

Manufacturing or quality management experience

Exposure to additive manufacturing, automation, or advanced hardware environments

Understanding of supply chain risk management and supplier contingency planning

Knowledge of forecasting tools, procurement analytics, and market benchmarking

Experience supporting R&D procurement and prototype builds

Experience in an early-stage tech or startup environment

Ability to influence change and adapt processes as business needs evolve

Demonstrated ability to manage complex, fast-paced operations in a dynamic environment

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals

Equity grants for new hires

Unlimited PTO

Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December.

Generous Parental Leave

Lifestyle Spending Account

FSA

DCFSA

HSA

Hospital Indemnity insurance

Critical Illness insurance

Accident insurance

Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.

Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.