Senior Sourcing and Procurement Manager

About Aetherflux
Aetherflux is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), to powering on-orbit compute, to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.

Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Aetherflux is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.

The Role
We are seeking a Senior Sourcing & Procurement Manager ( Individual Contributor ) to support mission-critical hardware programs at Aetherflux. You will own the end-to-end lifecycle of purchase orders and supplier engagement for complex engineered products—ensuring our teams have the materials, components, and services required to meet aggressive development timelines.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments and enjoys combining analytical rigor with hands-on execution across supply chain operations. This role is an individual contributor, however there is opportunity for growth into a supervisory role and later a people manager role.

Responsibilities

• Execute purchase orders, including supplier negotiations, risk mitigation, and vendor management for critical programs

• Develop and maintain data-driven sourcing tools and dashboards to track supplier performance, spend, and delivery accuracy

• Drive cost efficiency initiatives through supplier collaboration and identification of manufacturing or process improvements

• Manage procurement workflows, including pre-award reviews and ensuring high-quality, compliant purchasing packages

• Identify and implement opportunities to automate procurement processes and reduce manual workflows

• Partner cross-functionally with engineering, finance, and operations to support hardware development and production

Basic Qualifications

• Must be a 'U.S. Person' as defined by ITAR and EAR regulations (U.S. Citizen, Green Card Holder, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

• Experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain operations within a technical or engineering environment

• Proficiency with data tools (e.g., SQL, Python, or BI tools) to analyze and visualize supply chain metrics

• Experience with ERP, MRP, MES, or similar enterprise systems

• Strong negotiation skills with experience managing vendors, contracts, or statements of work

• Ability to operate in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with strong ownership and attention to detail

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with Engineering teams to translate complex requirements into actionable solutions with suppliers

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting complex hardware or engineering programs

• Background in high-growth or deeply technical organizations

• Experience managing high-value spend portfolios or vendor-owned inventory agreements

• Familiarity with automation tools or process optimization within procurement workflows

• Prior experience in aerospace, space, or other frontier technology industries

Compensation and Benefits

$130K - $200K

• Compensation and leveling will be determined based on experience and scope of role

• Equity in Aetherflux

• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Paid time off

• 10 paid holidays per calendar year

• Paid leave for new parents

• Relocation assistance

• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

Locations: San Carlos, CA or Greater Seattle Area

Disclaimer

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Aetherflux’s discretion.

Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Aetherflux is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Aetherflux is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.