Global Commodity Manager - Mountain View, CA

About us: Aeva’s mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security, and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions. Role Overview: Aeva is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Global Supply Manager (GSM) to take ownership of the strategic sourcing, supply base management, and overall continuity of supply for critical components and services used in our advanced Lidar systems. This role requires a proactive individual who can work independently to drive strategy, manage complex supplier relationships, and effectively collaborate cross- functionally with our Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to ensure we meet our aggressive product development and volume production goals.

What you'll be doing:

• Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation:
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned commodities and services critical to our technology.
• Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers, focusing on achieving optimal cost, quality, delivery, and technology roadmap alignment.
• Conduct comprehensive supplier risk assessments and develop mitigation plans.
• Supplier Relationship Management:
• Manage the full lifecycle of supplier relationships, from initial selection and qualification to ongoing performance management and business reviews.
• Drive supplier performance improvement initiatives (cost reduction, lead time, on- time delivery, quality).
• Cross-Functional Leadership:
• Act as the primary interface between Aeva Engineering/NPI teams and suppliers for new product introduction (NPI) development and qualification.
• Work closely with Operations and Planning teams to develop capacity plans and ensure long-term continuity of supply in a dynamic growth environment.
• Drive 'Design for Manufacturability/Supply Chain' considerations into early product design phases.
• Cost Management & Analysis:
• Establish, manage, and drive annual cost reduction targets for key commodities.
• Develop and maintain component/service cost roadmaps and market intelligence.

What you'll have:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in a Supply Chain, Commodity Management, or Sourcing role.
• Extensive direct experience managing the sourcing and supply of technical components relevant to high-tech or complex electro-mechanical products.
• Demonstrated experience in either the Automotive or Consumer Electronics industries, managing high-volume, high-quality component supply chains.
• Proven ability to independently develop commodity strategies and execute complex, high-stakes negotiations.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with cost modeling (TCO/Should-Cost).

Nice to Have

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Previous experience in a startup environment and a demonstrated ability to thrive in ambiguity and rapid growth.
• Technical background or direct experience managing components specific to Lidar, optical sensors, or complex sensing systems (e.g., MEMS, ASICs, custom optics, specialized materials).
• Experience with global supply chains, including sourcing and managing suppliers in Asia (APAC).
• Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (e.g., ISO/IATF 16949).