Manufacturing & Supply Chain Lead

Position Description

Swarmbotics is seeking a hands-on, highly capable Manufacturing Operations Lead to own and execute manufacturing and supply chain activities for our small, autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles – known as “FireAnts.” This individual contributor role will be responsible for sourcing components, managing vendors, coordinating batch robot builds, controlling inventory, and driving cost-down initiatives across the system.

This role is critical to scaling our robots from prototype to repeatable, low-rate production in demanding defense and commercial environments. The Manufacturing Operations Lead will work closely with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and supply-chain resilient, while personally executing the day-to-day operational work required in a fast-moving startup.

The ideal candidate has seen what excellent manufacturing looks like at scale within a world-class organization, but has also operated in a startup environment where processes are built from scratch and execution matters more than structure.

Required Qualifications

• Strong desire to work in the very fast-paced, fluid environment
• Ability to work onsite in the Phoenix, AZ area
• Proven experience owning manufacturing and supply chain execution for electromechanical products
• Hands-on experience sourcing components, placing orders, managing lead times, and coordinating vendors
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate pricing, MOQs, and terms with suppliers
• Experience coordinating and executing batch builds, including BOM readiness, kitting, and build sequencing
• Strong working knowledge of inventory management and production planning in low-to-medium volume environments
• Ability to drive cost-reduction initiatives through vendor selection, component trade studies, and DFM/DFA feedback
• Sufficient engineering background to work effectively with mechanical and electrical engineers and evaluate technical tradeoffs
• Experience conducting trade studies and independent sourcing research on components and subsystems
• BS in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related technical field.
• Excitement about contributing to the defense of the United States and its allies
• Ability to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance (no active clearance required)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience at a large, high-performing manufacturing organization (e.g., Tesla, Apple, SpaceX, or similar) with exposure to scaled production, cost optimization, and supply chain rigor
• Experience operating within an early-stage or growth-stage hardware startup, including taking products from prototype to low-rate production
• Background in robotics, defense systems, aerospace, automotive, or other complex electromechanical products
• Experience with contract manufacturers and external assembly partners
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems, BOM management tools, and production documentation
• Strong mechanical or electrical engineering foundation enabling deeper DFM/DFA collaboration
• Prior experience serving as the sole or primary manufacturing/supply chain owner within a small team

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position. Swarmbotics is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, caste, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law.

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