NPI Prototype Procurement Manager

About Proper Voltage

Proper Voltage is unlocking the next generation of battery technology across robotics, data centers, and defense. We're building intelligent battery systems that make advanced chemistries (sodium-ion, lithium-titanate, lithium-silicon) work in products that were never designed for them. Humanoid robots can upgrade power systems without redesigning their entire platform. Data centers get safer, cheaper backup power. Drones and autonomous vehicles get higher energy density without lengthy integration cycles. If you want to work on hard engineering problems that matter, this is the place.

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

About the Role

The NPI Prototype Procurement Manager owns fast-turn prototype sourcing during new product development. When engineering needs a part quoted and built in days, not weeks, this role makes it happen and ensures the part sourced for a prototype build doesn't quietly become a bad default for production. This role reports to the Director of Supply Chain and works closely with engineering, prototype contract manufacturers, and the production sourcing team.

Prototype CMs excel at fast part production but aren't set up to decide which parts should transition to production or catch rushed sourcing decisions that incur long-term costs. This role fills that gap, addressing real issues like slower-than-expected part delivery and unchecked markups on prototype-sourced parts.

Scope

• Fast-turn sourcing: For strategic, long-lead, or production-bound parts, you run the RFQ and sourcing decision directly instead of relying on prototype CMs under time pressure.
• Prototype-to-production tracking: Track parts sourced by prototype CMs, including supplier, cost, and suitability for production, flagging early which should transition to qualified suppliers.
• Cost visibility: Own should-cost tracking on new parts as designs stabilize, flagging cost overruns early to enable corrective action.

This role focuses on the handoff between early prototype builds and production. Production commodity strategy, supplier negotiation, and cost-out on qualified parts remain with the sourcing team, while day-to-day material tracking and expediting stay with the materials team. You'll own the "messy middle": prototype-stage sourcing decisions that shape production outcomes.

Who You Are

You have direct experience sourcing prototype and early-production parts in a hardware environment, collaborating closely with engineering while designs are still evolving. You're comfortable quoting and ordering parts that may change frequently and think beyond the immediate build. You question whether a prototype-sourced part, supplier, or price is suitable for production before it becomes costly to change.

You thrive working with or around a contract manufacturer's sourcing team, knowing when to leverage their speed and when to source directly. You're cost-conscious, willing to investigate high markups, and comfortable in early-stage environments where processes are still being defined. This role is ideal if you enjoy building new systems rather than following established playbooks.

Who This Role Is Not For

• Those seeking to own production commodity strategy or long-term supplier negotiation (handled by the sourcing team).
• Those looking to manage day-to-day material tracking and expediting for production parts (handled by the materials team).
• Those who need stable designs and locked BOMs to work effectively (this role operates before that stage).
• Those who would find a startup's fast-paced, evolving environment frustrating.

Responsibilities

Prototype Sourcing

• Run quick-turn RFQs and place orders directly for strategic, long-lead, or production-bound parts during prototype builds.
• Partner with engineering in design reviews and build planning to understand design changes and stabilization.
• Manage supplier relationships for quick-turn shops, separate from the production supplier base.

Prototype-to-Production Handoff

• Track every part sourced by a prototype CM, including supplier, cost, and suitability for production.
• Flag parts that should transition to qualified production suppliers early to avoid costly changes later.
• Hand off qualified parts and supplier context to the production sourcing team with clear documentation.

Cost Visibility

• Own should-cost tracking on new parts as designs stabilize, flagging cost overruns early.
• Identify where prototype CM markups are justified and where direct sourcing would save money.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with the production sourcing team on handoffs for parts moving from prototype to production.
• Collaborate with the materials team on build timing and part availability during prototype phases.
• Work with engineering on design-for-sourcing input while parts are still changeable.

Requirements

• 4+ years in procurement or sourcing supporting new product development in a hardware or industrial product environment.
• Direct experience with fast-turn/quick-turn sourcing (e.g., rapid prototyping shops, quick-turn machining, low-volume electronics).
• Comfort working alongside a contract manufacturer’s sourcing team without owning a factory floor directly.
• Experience evaluating whether a prototype-sourced part or supplier is fit for production.
• Ability to operate independently and build processes where none exist yet.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in battery, energy storage, power electronics, or other hardware-adjacent categories.
• Should-cost or cost estimation experience on early-stage or immature designs.
• Experience transitioning parts from a prototype or contract manufacturer to a qualified production supplier.
• Early-stage startup experience.

Benefits

• Base salary of $155,000 to $175,000, plus equity.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible PTO with a generous holiday policy.

Schedule

• Carlsbad, CA strongly preferred. Open to fully remote for the right candidate.
• Occasional travel to contract manufacturers.