Logo
Element Biosciences

Strategic Sourcing Engineer

Element Biosciences, San Diego, California, United States, 92189

Save Job

Overview We are seeking a

Strategic Sourcing Engineer

to lead sourcing efforts for critical materials, components, and services across the product lifecycle—from development through commercialization. This hands-on role will be responsible for developing sourcing strategies, building supplier relationships, managing risks, and ensuring supply continuity while driving cost and quality improvements. You will work cross-functionally with R&D, Process Engineering, Quality, and Operations to ensure supplier capabilities align with technical and business requirements. The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background, analytical sourcing skills, and experience in regulated industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, or medical devices. Must operate in a fast-paced environment with rapidly shifting priorities over a large diversity of projects. The ability to deliver with focus while maintaining flexibility is key to success. This role will report to our Director, Strategic Sourcing and is a daily on-site role at our San Diego headquarters.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Source complex engineering components and assemblies—including mechanical, fluidic, and optical systems—for next-generation sequencing platforms

Collaborate with R&D and Operations to drive supplier selection for direct and indirect materials, contract manufacturing, and services, during both New Production Introduction (NPI) and post-launch phases

Develop and implement sourcing strategies aligned with the technology roadmap, emphasizing cost efficiency, manufacturability, quality, optimized lead times, and risk mitigations

Understanding of technical drawings and specifications, such as CAD models and blueprints

Negotiate contracts to secure competitive pricing, favorable terms, and strategic supplier partnerships

Partner with Quality to ensure supplier compliance with relevant standards such as ISO 13485

Track and report supplier performance metrics; manage scorecards and implement corrective actions

Strengthen supply chain resilience by qualifying alternate sources

Maintain accurate sourcing documentation

Leverage market intelligence, benchmarking, and cost modeling to manage cost-of-goods-sold (COGS) targets across product lifecycle stages, supply risks, cost drivers, make-vs-buy decisions, and dual sourcing strategies

Conduct semi-annual business reviews with strategic suppliers to evaluate performance and strengthen partnerships

Provide clear, data-driven updates to internal stakeholders through presentations and reports

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technical operations, or a related technical discipline

5–10 years of experience in life sciences with a focus in technical sourcing, process engineering, supplier quality, or procurement engineering

Solid understanding of end-to-end supply chain principles and best practices

Deep knowledge of product development lifecycles, Bill of Materials (BOM) structures, and supplier qualification processes

Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation and supplier relationship management

Experience working with ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle

Proficient in data analysis and reporting tools, including Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint

Experience with software tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc.

Highly detail-oriented, well-organized, and analytical with strong problem-solving skills

Skilled in making data-driven decisions with a strong analytical mindset

Proven ability to succeed in fast-paced environment with rapidly shifting priorities

Effective communicator with the ability to influence and collaborate across departments

Willing and able to challenge assumptions and offer objective, unbiased perspectives

Physical Requirements

Must be able to lift 15 pounds

Location San Diego headquarters (on-site)

Travel

Travel up to 10% (supplier visits)

Job Type

Full-time/Exempt

Base Compensation Pay Range

$119,000 - $156,000

In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for stock options, discretionary annual bonus, no cost health insurance plans, 401k with company match, and flexible paid time off.

Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience.

We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.

#J-18808-Ljbffr