AI Hiring Index

Skydio · Operations · Staff+ · Posted 2026-08-18

Staff Global Supply Management Lead, NPI

Skydio · San Mateo, California, United States · $161k–228k base

This range's midpoint is above 56% of posted operations ranges at AI companies right now. Compare it with every posted range at Skydio by level, and at 281 other AI companies, in the AI Salary Report, US$29 once, or see the free salary index.

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Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors https://www.skydio.com/solutions/energy-and-utilities to first responders https://www.skydio.com/solutions/public-safety, soldiers in battlefield scenarios https://www.skydio.com/solutions/national-security/tactical-isr, and beyond https://www.skydio.com/solutions.

About the role:

You’ll develop and execute commodity sourcing strategies of increasing scale for high-quality drone components. Emphasis on sourcing components and tooling for Mechanical manufacturing technologies and processes for precision custom mechanics (e.g., UAV Motors, and Custom Components from Injection Molding, CNC Machining, Die Casting, Metal Extrusions, Fasteners, Composites, Liquid Silicone Rubber Molding, and Precision Metal Stamping & Forming technologies.)

In addition, this role will require support and ownership of developing the company's Supply Chain and Sourcing processes and tools. Management and improvement of existing suppliers and developing new suppliers with access to new technologies will also be a factor in this role.

How you'll make an impact:

- Develop clear technology and commodity roadmaps for current and future programs. Be the liaison between supply chain and engineering for supplier and component selection during NPI and sustaining projects. Identify new high-potential suppliers globally.

- Cultivate productive relationships with supply chain partners, including vendor selection, cost, support, and product transactions. Ownership of RFI's, RFP,s and RFQs, and the review process and business award decisions - ensuring all commercial terms are agreed and documented.

- Drive price negotiation processes to ensure that Skydio’s commodity pricing is best in class. Analyze current spend and evaluate current suppliers. Maintain commodity consumption forecasts and associated execution plans. Consolidate spend across the supply base to create leverage, analyze purchasing trends, and develop sourcing alternatives. Monitor current market conditions, technology roadmaps, and identify supply/demand challenges & opportunities.

- Work with finance and accounting during monthly close and financial planning cycles with component pricing costs and forecasts, and custom tooling investments.

- Identify and manage supplier performance metrics of Supplier Technology availability and competence, Component Quality, Supply, and Cost required to ensure best-in-class supply chain.

What makes you a good fit:

- Flexibility to work and achieve goals in a fast-paced start-up environment, with an ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

- Detail-oriented, team-oriented, with enthusiasm for learning new things.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong ethics and professionalism.

- Technical & commercial experience in mechanical component surface treatments (e.g, corrosion-resistant, decoration, and RF performance coatings of plastics and metals.)

- Experience with Tooling Capacity Management, Tooling Unit Cost targets, and Supplier Capacity Management.

- Strength in directing complex negotiations, RFP issues, cost/price analysis, RFP/Q review, Business Award process, and purchasing procedures.

- Experience using cost models to define the should-cost and negotiating prices for sourcing and cost reduction.

- Experience in Supplier Contract, T&Cs, MSA, SOW, and NDA negotiation, management, and ownership.

- Experience with the Facilitation of ESI (Early Supplier Involvement) between the Supplier, Program design, sourcing, and procurement resources.

- Ability to prepare and present quantitative and qualitative compar …

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This listing is reproduced from Skydio's public careers feed and links to the original. AI Hiring Index is not the employer and does not accept applications. All Skydio roles · AI salaries.