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 to first responders, soldiers in battlefield scenarios, and beyond.
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+ years of experience sourcing technically complex camera, optical, imaging, or thermal sensing technologies, with direct experience managing thermal camera, infrared sensor, or advanced imaging supply chains strongly preferred.
Strong understanding of thermal imaging technologies, including thermal camera modules, infrared detectors, LWIR sensing technologies, optics, image quality considerations, calibration methodologies, and system-level performance tradeoffs.
Experience leading supplier selection, qualification, and commercial negotiations for camera modules, thermal imaging systems, image sensors, optics, or related advanced sensing technologies.
Interpreting Drawing/Specifications, Cost Analysis, and Commodity Value Stream Mapping
Ability to do Supplier Assessments and Commodity Market Analysis
Ability to technically discuss critical elements of the commodity’s Form, Fit and Function
Experience in manufacturing – operations, planning, engineering, supply management, or procurement.
Experience with GSM, Production, and NPI processes and systems.
Experience effectively working independently (when appropriate) and collaboratively
Experience presenting to all levels of an organization, including the C-Suite.
Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions.
Compensation: At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $140,000 - $198,000. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company's success. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.
*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s location.
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At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws.
For positions located in the United States of America, Skydio, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/