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KP Recruiting Group

Head of Supply Chain & Manufacturing Engineering - Automotive/Robotics Startup

KP Recruiting Group, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199

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Head of Supply Chain & Manufacturing Engineering - Automotive/Robotics Startup Driving the future of robotics by leading the transition of AI‑powered robotic prototypes into scalable, cost‑effective manufacturing operations.

Base pay range : $200,000.00/yr - $300,000.00/yr

Additional compensation : Stock options

Hypergrowth Opportunity: Founding Head role reporting directly to co‑founders. Build manufacturing operations from 0 →1 and assemble a dedicated team.

What You’ll Be Doing

Driving the transition of robot prototypes to low‑volume builds. Collaborating closely with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to guide design‑for‑manufacture (DFM), design‑for‑assembly (DFA), and design for cost.

Identifying, evaluating, and managing global suppliers, vendors, and contract manufacturers, with a strong emphasis on working with vendors in China.

Conducting cost modeling, BOM optimization, and manufacturability assessments to ensure designs meet cost targets while maintaining performance and reliability.

Setting up the link between supply chain and prototype refinement, continuously optimizing until all components are readily available for high‑quantity supply.

What We’re Looking For

10+ years of experience in supply chain and manufacturing engineering, with a background in mechanical engineering.

Experience setting up a factory in the US for robotics or automotive.

Scaled a mechanical product (e.g., a car or robot) from prototype to 300‑400 units/month.

Managed global vendors, especially in China.

Hands‑on technical strength in supply chain and manufacturing.

Strong negotiation skills for vendor contracts. Experience in a startup or early‑stage hardware environment.

Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level

Employment type Full‑time

Job function Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Engineering

Industries: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing, Robot Manufacturing, and Robotics Engineering

Location: San Mateo, CA

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