Description
strategic sourcing
supplier qualification
rfp management
performance monitoring
regulatory compliance
cross‑functional collaboration
We are seeking a proactive Sourcing Manager in San Diego to lead strategic sourcing across all commodities, supporting the transition from prototype to full‑rate production for next‑generation hardware. The role collaborates closely with engineering, product, and business development teams to ensure quality, performance, and rapid scaling while navigating complex supplier ecosystems and strict DoD, ITAR, FAR/DFARS, and cybersecurity requirements.
- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives across all commodities, developing innovative strategies that drive cost‑effective procurement from 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.
Requirements
bachelor's degree
10+ years
u.s. citizenship
microsoft office
international sourcing
supplier negotiations
The position involves up to 35% travel and is based in a standard office and manufacturing environment in San Diego, with relocation assistance available for qualified candidates. Physical demands include regular standing, bending, reaching, and operating standard office equipment.
All employees must meet U.S. export control requirements (ITAR/EAR), meaning they must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals, or otherwise eligible for the necessary authorizations.
- 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.
- 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
The salary range for this role is $134,000 to $158,000, reflecting factors such as experience, education, certifications, and location, and may be adjusted as compensation structures evolve.
Firestorm offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan, equity grants, unlimited PTO, generous holidays, parental leave, various insurance options, and extensive mental‑health, legal, and financial resources.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.
- Equity grants for new hires.
- Unlimited PTO.
- Generous holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November & December.
- Generous parental leave.
- Lifestyle Spending Account.
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
- Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA).
- Health Savings Account (HSA).
- Hospital Indemnity insurance.
- Critical Illness insurance.
- Accident insurance.
- Basic Life/AD&D, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance (100% covered by Firestorm) with optional additional life insurance.
- Free 24/7 mental health resources, including therapy.
- Free legal and financial support services.
Training + Development
Information not given or found
