Senior Materials Program Manager

WHO WE ARE. Happy Droid is a physical AI company dedicated to building intelligent machines that expand human capability by transforming how tasks gets done in the physical world. We develop general-purpose robotic systems that seamlessly combine mobility, perception and advanced AI to perform meaningful roles alongside people, across industries and environments.We believe that physical AI represents the next frontier of technology, bringing intelligence beyond the digital realm and into the real world. Whether it’s solving labor shortages, augmenting productivity, alleviating safety hazards or providing personal assistance, our mission is to create safe, supportive, capable and adaptive robotic platforms which are happy to help unlock new possibilities for businesses and communities alike.As we push the boundaries of what autonomous systems can achieve, we remain committed to developing technology that is trustworthy, human-centered, beneficial and resilient. By combining world-class engineering and a resilient supply chain with an ongoing focus on real-world impact, Happy Droid is helping to create a future where intelligent machines empower humanity to achieve a better quality of life.ABOUT THE ROLE. As a Senior Materials Program Manager, you will lead the strategy and execution required to ensure material readiness for next-generation physical AI robotics (and associated products) from concept through volume production. Serving as the critical link between Engineering, Supply Chain, Contract Manufacturers and Strategic Suppliers, you will develop sourcing strategies, build resilient supplier partnerships and drive end-to-end materials execution that enables successful product launches.This highly cross-functional role combines strategic sourcing, materials program management, supplier development, contract manufacturing partnerships and supply chain optimization. You will proactively identify and mitigate supply risks, optimize product cost and ensure seamless transitions from prototype builds through mass production to enable rapid company growth.IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL OWN…Sourcing & Supplier ManagementDevelop and execute sourcing strategies for mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, and custom critical components, ensuring long-term supply continuity, scalability and competitive cost.Identify, qualify, negotiate and manage strategic supplier relationships while maintaining their performance in quality, delivery, capacity, cost and technology.Lead supplier RFQs, cost analysis, BOM cost optimization, and long-term supply agreements while supporting engineering decisions around alternate sourcing strategies.Contract Manufacturer DevelopmentSelect, develop and partner with global Contract Manufacturers (CMs), supporting their evolution from prototype, pilot and into high-volume production.Drive material readiness with them for production ramp planning and coordinate with sub-tier critical component suppliers to ensure successful product launches.Partner with internal teams to improve production readiness, capacity planning, inventory strategy and operational execution while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner closely with Engineering throughout the product lifecycle to influence component selection, sourcing decisions and product cost targets.Lead material planning activities supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), product transitions and production ramp.Communicate material readiness, supplier status, risks and mitigation plans to executive leadership while driving alignment across cross-functional stakeholders.Cost, Risk and Supply Chain StrategyDevelop long-term sourcing roadmaps that align supplier capabilities with product roadmaps, forecasted demand and manufacturing strategies.Identify and proactively mitigate supply chain risks including single-source dependencies, long lead-time components, capacity constraints and component obsolescence.Drive continuous cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations, should-cost analysis, value engineering, logistics optimization and inventory management while balancing cost, flexibility and supply resilience.YOU MIGHT THRIVE IN THIS ROLE, IF YOU…Enjoy building supplier partnerships and solving supply chain challenges in fast-paced hardware development environments.Excel at influencing cross-functional teams and bringing alignment across organizations.Naturally balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, moving seamlessly between executive planning and day-to-day program management.Are highly analytical and enjoy using data to drive sourcing decisions, material readiness, make/buy assessments, cost optimization and operational improvements.Thrive in ambiguous, high-growth environments where building scalable processes and solving new challenges are part of everyday work.WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations or a related discipline.8+ years of experience in Materials Program Management, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement and/or Supply Chain Operations supporting hardware products.Familiarity with motors, batteries, sensors, precision mechanical components, PCBAs, and electronics manufacturing. Strong background supporting materials readiness throughout the full product lifecycle from proof-of-concept, NPI prototype builds, engineering validations and into mass production.Proven expertise selecting, developing and managing strategic supplier and/or Contract Manufacturer relationships and; subsequently managing BOM costs, performing make/buy analyses, benchmarking cost models and driving cost reduction initiatives.Demonstrated skills with writing and negotiating supplier contracts and agreements.Experience identifying and mitigating supply chain risks including long lead-time components, supplier capacity and component lifecycle management.Analytical capabilities using ERP, MRP, PLM and any supply chain planning systems to support data-driven decision making.Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and executive leadership.NICE TO HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:MBA or advanced degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations or a related discipline.Background in robotics, autonomous systems, drones, automotive, aerospace, industrial automation or other complex precision electromechanical hardware industries.Exposure to managing global supply chains across North America and Asia.Knowledge around Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), Design for Testability (DFT), Design for Reliability (DFR) and Value Engineering principles.Experience supporting rapidly scaling startups or high-growth hardware organizations.WORK ENVIRONMENTOn-Site - would require 5 days onsite in San Mateo, CASalary range $150000 - $170000 (USD) + bonus + equityIndividual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training.Additional benefits include 401k match, Medical/Dental/Vision insurance, wellness benefit, PTO, free in-office lunchEqual Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.