Lead Procurement & Supply Chain Specialist

Position Summary:

We’re looking for a senior, strategic, and hands-on supply chain leader to architect and operationalize the procurement and supply chain foundation powering our next-generation general-purpose humanoid robots.

This is a high-impact builder role for someone who can establish structure while executing in real time. As we transition from advanced development into scaled production, supply chain excellence becomes a critical enabler of cost, reliability, and speed. You will design sourcing strategy, negotiate and manage key supplier relationships, implement systems and processes, and personally ensure material readiness for pilot builds and production ramps.

Reporting into Business Operations, this role operates at the intersection of Engineering, Finance, and Manufacturing, translating product ambition into supply certainty and margin discipline.

Core Responsibilities:

• Design and implement Walden’s end-to-end procurement and supply chain strategy aligned with product roadmap and production scaling plans
• Establish sourcing models (single vs. dual sourcing, global vs. regional, make vs. buy)
• Build structured risk mitigation frameworks for long-lead, single-source, and geopolitical exposure
• Develop cost roadmaps aligned with margin and capital efficiency goals
• Identify, evaluate, onboard, and manage global suppliers across mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical components
• Lead RFQs, cost modeling, contract negotiation, and long-term supplier agreements
• Build durable supplier partnerships aligned with production scaling needs
• Ensure material readiness for prototype builds, pilot production, and scale-up
• Implement demand forecasting and supply planning processes
• Define and manage inventory strategy (safety stock, reorder policies, working capital optimization)
• Oversee domestic and international logistics, freight optimization, and customs coordination in collaboration with Robot Operations teams
• Build the roadmap for future supply chain team growth as the company scales
• Partner with Engineering on DFM/DFA and cost-down initiatives

Required Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain within hardware, robotics, advanced manufacturing, or industrial systems
• Demonstrated experience building or scaling supply chain functions in early or growth-stage environments
• Proven track record negotiating complex supplier agreements and managing global vendors
• Strong commercial acumen and cost modeling capability, including BOM and landed cost analysis
• Experience working with contract manufacturers and international suppliers
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and structured procurement workflows

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting complex electromechanical or robotics products
• Direct experience scaling from prototype to low-volume production to higher-volume manufacturing
• Background in cost engineering or value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE)
• Experience implementing dual-sourcing or supply chain risk mitigation programs
• Prior experience building procurement systems from first principles
• Advanced degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or related field

Walden Robotics offers a competitive total compensation program, including salary, annual cash bonus, company equity, company-subsidized insurance programs, 401(k) with company match, flexible PTO, daily lunch, and other benefits. The pay ranges noted on our posts are for salary only.

Walden Robotics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to hello@waldenrobotics.com.

Walden Robotics participates in E-Verify. If you receive an offer of employment from Walden, you will need to go through the E-Verify process of digital verification of your employment authorization documents as provided on the Form I-9. Participation in E-Verify does not limit your right to work and verification will only be completed after you become