Senior Buyer
About this role
Skydio is hiring a Senior Buyer, full-time, on-site in Hayward, California, United States, in the Aerospace sector.
Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors to first responders , soldiers in battlefield scenarios , and beyond .
About the Role:
As a Buyer at Skydio, you will bring your supply chain and materials management knowledge and skills to enable our growth by driving dynamic Purchase Order management for our drones and docks, and visionary future products in a highly regulated environment. Your impact will be felt throughout the organization when customer orders are shipped on time and valuation of the company increases.
Maintain vendor and component information in ERP systems, including Standard Cost, Lead Time, MOQ, Logistics Lead Time, Payment Terms, etc.
Manage Purchase Orders end-to-end to support customer orders and company revenue targets. Mitigate supply chain risks and ensure supply continuity, including PO release, delivery commit, receipts and discrepancies, invoice approval and supplier corrective actions as needed.
Improve ERP system accuracy and expand capabilities to build a world class MRP for in house manufacturing.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders on implementing supply chain strategies and provide key delivery data for Clear-to-Build report.
Analyze procurement data and report on metrics including on-time delivery, PO status, vendor performance etc.
Support the development of key planning metrics and reports including Safety Stock Analysis, Inventory Health, Order Policies, and Cash Flow.
Participate in cross functional teams and support continuous improvement initiatives for cost, quality, delivery, and inventory management.
How you will make an impact:
This position plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and scalability of drone systems by securing the right materials at the right time and cost. No parts = no drones. You ensure critical components (chips, sensors, motors, batteries) are available when engineering and manufacturing need them, preventing costly delays. This ensures prototypes, builds, and production on schedule. Additionally this individual will play a key role in reducing BOM cost and improving gross margin.
What makes you a strong fit:
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
8+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain (preferably in aerospace, robotics, or electronics manufacturing).
Strong understanding of supply chain principles and procurement best practices.
Experience sourcing electronic components (PCBs, semiconductors), mechanical parts, or aerospace materials.
Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
Excellent negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
Experience in drone, UAV, aerospace, or high-tech hardware industries.
Familiarity with FAA regulations or aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100).
Knowledge of global sourcing and international logistics.
APICS certification (e.g., CPIM, CSCP) or equivalent.
Strategic sourcing and cost optimization
Supplier relationship management
Problem-solving and decision-making
Attention to detail and organization
Cross-functional collaboration
Obtaining FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment is strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions.
Compensation: At Skydio, our compensation packages for regular, full-time employees include competitive base salaries, equity in the form of stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Compensation will vary based on factors, including skill level, proficiencies, transferable knowledge, and experience. Relocation assistance may also be provided for eligible roles. The annual base salary range for this position is $136,000 - $213,00*. Fundamentally, we believe that equity is the key to long-term financial growth, and we ensure all regular, full-time employees have the opportunity to significantly benefit from the company's success. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s group health insurance plans. Regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive the following benefits: Paid vacation time, sick leave, holiday pay and 401K savings plan. This position and all associated benefits are subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as the Company’s policies and eligibility criteria.
*Compensation for certain positions may vary based on the position’s location.
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At Skydio we believe that diversity drives innovation. We have created a multidisciplinary environment that embraces the power of diverse perspectives to create elegant solutions for complex problems. We are committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture.
Description from Skydio's official posting. Always confirm details on the company careers page.
About Skydio
Skydio
Autonomous drones for enterprise and defense. San Mateo, CA.
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About Larry Sherwood Jr.
Talent Acquisition Leader specializing in mobility, EV, and frontier tech. 1,200+ hires across roles ranging from production technicians to VPs, including 48 hires for the AFEELA U.S. launch at Sony Honda Mobility (98% offer acceptance, about $1.5M in agency fees avoided). SHRM-CP certified. Build recruiting functions from scratch, no agencies.
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