Director, Commodity Management, PCBAs & Electrical Components

About the Role

Established in 2021, Darkhive is redefining the future of autonomous systems. We design and build next-generation hardware and software solutions that seamlessly integrate into critical public safety and defense networks. Our core focus centers on developing tactical, human-machine interfaces and scaling the mass production of affordable, attritable uncrewed systems alongside our government partners.

At Darkhive, we are a high-growth team of U.S. Special Operations veterans, aerospace engineers, robotics perception experts, and DevSecOps professionals. Above all, we are a mission-first culture. We believe that global teams operating on the front lines deserve high-quality, intelligent tools that ensure safety when each second counts.

If you are a free-thinking problem solver looking to build cutting-edge robotics in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment, apply with Darkhive today!

Responsibilities

• Own and manage relationships with key EMS partners, electrical component manufacturers, and authorized component distributors across the assigned commodity portfolio.
• Serve as the strategic and tactical primary point of contact with EMS partners from concept through production, ensuring critical milestones and program objectives are completed on target.
• Develop and execute commodity strategies aligned with business and engineering roadmaps.
• Gather and maintain market intelligence on the global PCBA and electronic components markets.
• Manage all aspects of cost for PCBAs through the development process through sustaining, including cost modeling, should-cost, and forecasting.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to drive supplier readiness in support of new product development efforts.
• Influence design decisions through component selection guidance, second-source recommendations, and bill of material (BOM) risk assessments.
• Support PCBA design reviews and DFM/DFA activities by representing supplier capability, component availability, and cost implications of design choices.
• Manage NPI with key CM partners, ensuring supplier readiness for prototype, EVT, DVT, PVT, and mass production builds.
• Own BOM risk management across the assigned commodities, including end-of-life (EOL), country-of-origin (COO), lead-time, lifecycle status, allocation, and sole/single-source exposure.
• Drive supply forecasting to key EMS partners, component manufacturers, and distributors, ensuring alignment between demand signals, supplier capacity, and material lead times.
• Drive cost management activities across the full product lifecycle, from pre-launch should-cost modeling to end-of-life run-out strategies.
• Lead supplier negotiations on price, payment terms, MOQs, lead times, capacity commitments, liability terms, IP protections, and warranty provisions.
• Institute and lead a QBR process for key EMS partners in partnership with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Electrical Engineering, Business, or related technical field. MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive procurement, commodity management, or strategic sourcing experience, with direct ownership of PCBA and/or electrical component commodities.
• Demonstrated experience managing EMS / contract manufacturing relationships across global footprints.
• Working knowledge of electrical components and the franchised distribution channel.
• Hands-on experience with BOM risk management, including EOL/last-time-buy strategies and alternate part qualification.
• Proven track record leading supplier negotiations and commercial workflows.
• Familiarity with quality and manufacturing standards relevant to PCBAs.
• Experience operating across global supplier bases, particularly in Asia, Mexico, and the United States.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in cost / should-cost modeling.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and cross-functional leadership skills.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience managing direct reports and employee development practices.
• Direct experience in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) or robotics industry.
• Prior experience in a fast-paced startup environment, specifically building hardware departments from the ground up.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical plans
• 100% employer-paid dental and vision insurance premiums
• Automatic 401k employer contribution with vesting
• Paid vacation and personal time off
• 11 paid holidays
• 5 days of sick leave
• Stock options
• Welcoming and friendly work environment
• Respect of work-life balance

Darkhive does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Due to our work with export-controlled technologies, all candidates must be a 'U.S. Person' as defined by ITAR and EAR (e.g., U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee).

This is a full-time, exempt, non-supervisory role reporting to the Vice President of Supply Chain. The role is remote or hybrid with travel up to 10-20% of the time. Preference for the role to reside in either Austin or San Antonio markets.