Staff Global Supply Manager Aurora - Dallas, TX, US

Staff Global Supply Manager

Aurora's mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly. The Aurora Driver will create a new era in mobility and logistics, one that will bring a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone. At Aurora, you will tackle massively complex problems alongside other passionate, intelligent individuals, growing as an expert while expanding your knowledge.

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. We're searching for a Staff Global Supply Manager to be the strategic owner of our supply chain for complex optical hardware and the Contract Manufacturer (CM) who builds our systems. This high-impact role requires a deep blend of technical expertise and commercial acumen. You will manage the entire supply chain for our optical subsystems, including free-space optics, and the underlying components like lasers, mirrors, lenses, and photodetectors. Your core responsibility is to ensure a reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective supply for our hardware at every stage.

In this role, you will:

• Partner with our Engineering teams to understand technology requirements and business objectives. You will develop and execute sourcing strategies for both highly specialized optical components and the Contract Manufacturer who assemble them.
• Manage the supply chain from initial prototype builds through to production readiness, focusing on setting a foundation for future scaling. This involves managing direct relationships with specialized optical suppliers and ensuring our CMs effectively manage their own sub-tier supply base.
• Accurately capture NRE, tooling, capital equipment, and material costs. Negotiate competitive pricing, terms, and conditions with both component suppliers and CMs to secure supply and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
• Partner closely with our Legal team to draft and finalize legal agreements (e.g., Purchase Agreements, Statements of Work) that secure pricing, capacity, and quality commitments.
• Track global market conditions, monitor technology roadmaps, and identify supply and demand challenges and opportunities within the optical and manufacturing industries.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Optical), or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing or procurement, with a proven track record of managing global supply chains
• Deep understanding of optical systems and manufacturing, including components like lenses, mirrors, lasers, photodetectors, and processes for coatings and precision assembly.
• Demonstrated experience managing Contract Manufacturers for the production of complex, high-reliability products.
• Strong analytical and cost modeling skills, with the ability to perform detailed "should-cost" analysis.
• Exceptional ability to influence internal and external stakeholders, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (e.g., Engineering, Legal, Finance).
• Tenacity in solving problems, with a resilient and adaptable "can-do" attitude in a dynamic environment.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in the automotive industry, with a focus on safety-critical components and high-volume manufacturing.
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturability (DFM), specifically for optical assemblies.
• Hands-on experience with optical metrology and quality control processes.
• Experience with competitor product teardown analysis to inform strategic sourcing decisions.

If you are a passionate, skilled Supply Manager ready to make a significant impact on the future of transportation, we encourage you to apply. The base salary range for this position is $143,000 - $229,000 per year. Aurora's pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate's starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

Working at Aurora At Aurora, we bring together extraordinarily talented and experienced people united by the strength of our values. We operate with integrity, set outrageous goals, and build a culture where we win together — all without any jerks. Our Careers page provides insight into what it is like to work at Aurora, and you can find all the latest updates in our Newsroom.

Commitment to inclusion Aurora considers candidates without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy status, parent or caregiver status, ancestry, political affiliation, veteran and/or military status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by federal or state law. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io.