Senior Supply Chain Manager

About the Company

Founded in 2021, Darkhive is building the next generation of autonomous systems for public safety and defense. The company develops integrated hardware and software products for mission-critical environments, with a focus on tactical human-machine interfaces and scaling affordable, attritable uncrewed systems in partnership with government customers. Darkhive operates as a fast-moving, mission-driven team made up of U.S. Special Operations veterans, aerospace engineers, robotics perception specialists, and DevSecOps professionals.

Role Overview

Darkhive is hiring a Senior Supply Chain Manager to help create and run a resilient supply chain for new product development and program execution. This role works closely with engineering, quality, program, and other internal teams to ensure supply chain decisions support technical requirements, cost goals, launch timelines, and production readiness. The position requires broad knowledge of sourcing, procurement, supplier management, manufacturing, inventory control, planning, and logistics, along with the ability to manage risk and deliver on-time performance across the full product lifecycle.

Core Responsibilities

The role spans strategic sourcing, cross-functional coordination, end-to-end supply chain execution, new product introduction, and long-term supplier strategy. The manager will help translate engineering needs into sourcing plans, work with manufacturers and suppliers to align capacity and material availability, and build mitigation plans for supply chain risks such as single-source dependence, long lead times, geopolitical exposure, and constrained capacity. The position also involves supporting industrialization from prototype stages through volume production and strengthening strategic supplier relationships that support scalable growth.

Work Location and Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position based in San Antonio, Texas. Travel may be required, up to 10-20% of the time.

Visa and Security Clearance

Because of the nature of Darkhive's defense-related work, visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which generally requires U.S. citizenship.

Key Duties

• Work with engineering and program teams to source critical parts, components, and materials in line with quality standards, technical needs, cost targets, and launch timelines.
• Use early supplier involvement, design-for-supply-chain thinking, and total cost analysis to improve manufacturability, lead times, cost efficiency, and supply risk.
• Create and execute commodity and category strategies, including make-or-buy decisions, supplier consolidation, dual sourcing, and geographic diversification.
• Run supplier selection efforts, RFx processes, negotiations, and contract finalization.
• Act as the main connection between engineering and supply chain during product development.
• Convert engineering requirements into sourcing plans, supplier requirements, and procurement actions tied to program milestones.
• Represent supply chain in design reviews, gate reviews, and program meetings, providing input on supplier readiness, lead times, cost, and risk.
• Align work across engineering, quality, manufacturing, program management, finance, and supplier partners.
• Manage material flow from suppliers to internal and external manufacturing sites to support on-time delivery and smooth handoffs.
• Coordinate with contract manufacturers and tier-1/tier-2 suppliers on capacity, build plans, inventory placement, and material readiness.
• Plan and oversee inbound raw material and finished goods flow, as well as inventory levels.
• Track and report key performance indicators.
• Share supply forecasts with strategic suppliers and develop support plans.
• Lead supply chain risk management and create mitigation plans for single-source exposure, long-lead items, geopolitical issues, and capacity limits.
• Maintain visibility into supply, demand, and inventory status, and provide clear reporting to program teams and senior leadership.
• Drive supply chain readiness for new product introduction and industrialization through prototype, EVT, DVT, PVT, and MP phases.
• Own material readiness planning and execution across all NPI stages.
• Bring new suppliers on board for new technologies and product launches, working with engineering and quality to qualify them.
• Support production transfer from development and prototype suppliers to high-volume manufacturing partners.
• Build sourcing pipelines for emerging suppliers, materials, and technologies in key categories.
• Develop strategic supplier relationships that extend beyond transactional purchasing.
• Negotiate and manage long-term agreements such as MSAs, supply agreements, pricing agreements, and NDAs when required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, Operations, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in supply chain, strategic sourcing, procurement, or commodity management, including support for new product and program development.
• Background working with electrical, mechanical, and electro-mechanical commodities such as PCBAs, electrical components, plastics, metals, interconnects, wireless/communication parts, and power categories.
• Experience partnering with engineering and product development teams in a hardware, manufacturing, or technology setting.
• Proven experience leading NPI and industrialization efforts from prototype through volume production.
• Hands-on experience managing external manufacturing partners.
• Strong skills in negotiation, contracting, and supplier relationship management.
• Good understanding of supply chain risk management, including single-source mitigation, dual sourcing, and geopolitical risk.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced startup environment, especially building hardware products from the ground up, is an advantage.
• Prior exposure to government contracting work is a plus.
• Experience in the uncrewed aircraft systems or robotics industry is preferred.
• An active security clearance would be beneficial, though it is not mandatory.
• Knowledge of quality systems and regulatory frameworks such as ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, ITAR, and EAR is helpful.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods.
• Capability to use a keyboard, mouse, and related equipment with or without accommodation.
• Ability to stay attentive during business hours.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills, along with a good command of English.
• Ability to learn and remember routine tasks.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
• The company may reassign duties or modify responsibilities as needed.

Selection Process

Applicants will go through a multi-step hiring process that includes application review, a 20-minute recruiter pre-screen, a 30-minute call with the hiring manager, a take-home project, and a final in-person or video interview with the broader hiring team.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage.
• Dental and vision premiums fully paid by the employer.
• Automatic employer 401(k) contribution with vesting.
• Paid vacation and personal time off.
• 11 paid holidays.
• 5 sick leave days.
• Stock options.
• Friendly, welcoming workplace culture.
• Support for work-life balance.

Equal Opportunity

Darkhive is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, gender including pregnancy, age, gender identity, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.