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Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors https://www.skydio.com/solutions/energy-and-utilities to first responders https://www.skydio.com/solutions/public-safety, soldiers in battlefield scenarios https://www.skydio.com/solutions/national-security/tactical-isr, and beyond https://www.skydio.com/solutions. About the Role: You'll develop and implement commodity sourcing strategies to scale production of high-quality sensing and imaging systems for Skydio's autonomous drone platforms. This role has a primary emphasis on Thermal Imaging Systems and Camera Technologies, including Thermal Cameras, RGB Cameras, Telephoto Cameras, Multi-Sensor Payloads, and related sensing modules. The ideal candidate combines deep thermal imaging supply chain expertise with broad experience across camera technologies, optics, image sensors, and advanced sensing systems. This role requires strategic supplier development, technology scouting, cost leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to bring innovative sensing solutions into production. How You’ll Make an Impact: - Develop the Global Strategic Sourcing Strategies and objectives (short & long term) based on business needs, forecasts of future demand, economic & currency trends, and market supply conditions - Lead the end-to-end sourcing and procurement processes for camera components and modules, managing NDAs, RFIs/RFQs, Master Supplier Agreement negotiations, and General Terms & Conditions to ensure transparent and efficient business transactions - Establish the connection between GSM Strategy, Skydio’s Business Strategy, and Production Strategy - Drive strategic negotiations and technology partnerships with suppliers of thermal imaging sensors, thermal camera modules, image sensors, optics, and integrated camera systems, aligning product roadmaps, quality standards, cost targets, and supply continuity requirements for Skydio's autonomous drone platforms. - Ensure Contribution Margins, leverage goals, and Cost Targets are achieved by cross-functional teams passionate about process improvement, cost mitigation, and supply chain enhancements. - Maintains effective supplier relationships by means of audits, visits, and evaluations to review areas such as capabilities, capacities, supplier fit, etc. - Identifies new or alternative sources to advance our technologies, ensure supply continuity, and/or cost competitiveness - Initiate and drive cost reduction initiatives that provide cost efficiency with quality and reliability - Continuously monitor advancements in thermal imaging technologies, infrared sensors, optics, image processing architectures, and camera systems to identify emerging technologies, supplier innovations, and strategic sourcing opportunities that improve system performance, reliability, and cost competitiveness. - Develop and maintain deep market intelligence on thermal imaging and camera ecosystems, including sensor suppliers, optics manufacturers, module integrators, calibration providers, and emerging technology partners. - Partner closely with Engineering, Product Management, and Manufacturing teams to influence camera and thermal sensing architecture decisions, balancing performance, supply risk, manufacturability, and total cost of ownership. - Communicates strategy to the Skydio organization (key internal collaborators) in order to gain accountability and buy off. What Makes You a Good Fit: - MBA + BA/BS in a technical field - A minimum 5 years of experience with high impact commodities and technically complex components in Strategic Sourcing and Procurement - 5+ year