About Knightscope

Knightscope is building an Autonomous Security Force to make America the safest country in the world. Our systems combine autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, advanced sensing, and real-world deployment at scale.

The Role

The Supply Chain Manager reports directly to the Manufacturing Director and serves as a player-coach, managing a small team of buyers while remaining deeply involved in execution. This role is responsible for ensuring materials are available to support production, suppliers are performing, and purchasing data is accurate and actionable.

The successful candidate will be practical, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in an environment where structure is still being built.

Location: Sunnyvale, CA (On-Site at KHQ)

Key Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day procurement, purchasing, and supplier management activities
• Manage and support a small procurement team (currently 2 buyers)
• Ensure timely PO placement, follow-up, and on-time material availability for production
• Monitor supplier delivery, quality, and responsiveness; drive corrective actions as needed
• Establish and maintain basic supplier KPIs and performance tracking
• Support demand planning and forecasting in collaboration with Manufacturing
• Maintain and improve ERP/MRP data accuracy (NetSuite preferred)
• Identify and resolve material shortages, lead-time issues, and supply risks
• Support sourcing activities, including supplier comparisons and negotiations
• Assist with cost control and cost-reduction initiatives
• Participate in qualifying and onboarding new suppliers as required
• Develop and maintain procurement-related SOPs and documentation
• Provide clear reporting and status updates to operations leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, operations, business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5–7 years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or materials management
• Experience in a manufacturing or hardware environment (electronics or electromechanical preferred)
• Prior experience managing or mentoring buyers or junior team members
• Hands-on experience with purchasing, suppliers, and MRP systems
• ERP experience required; NetSuite experience strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of supplier performance management and inventory control
• Comfortable operating in a small company with evolving processes
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills

Nice to Have

• Experience in robotics, IoT, or complex electromechanical products
• Exposure to supply chain clean-up or process improvement efforts
• APICS/CPIM/CSCP or similar certifications
• Startup or high-growth manufacturing experience

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $140,000 – $160,000 (DOE)
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance & LTD
• 401(k)
• PTO & Holidays
• Supplemental Insurance Options