Supply Chain - Senior Associate

ABOUT
Agnikul Cosmos is a company incubated at IIT Madras and we build rockets that can take satellites up to 500 kg to Lower Earth Orbit (LEO). In May 2024, we successfully completed our maiden launch from our own launchpad (India's first private launchpad). The launch has proven all the new technologies developed by Agnikul and also earned recognition from Honourable Prime Minister of India.
We are looking for a hands-on Supply Chain & Procurement professional who can manage vendor sourcing, cost negotiations, project requirements, and end-to-end component procurement.
- If you’d rather visit the vendor than visit another Excel sheet — this is for you.
- If you see negotiation not as a skill, but as a way of life — this is for you.
- If you obsess about line processes vs. batch processes - this is for you
- If you have wondered why Apple outsources its manufacturing outside USA - this is for you
- If you understand Lead and Lean in a same sentence - this is for you
RESPONSIBILITIES
Identify project requirements and the respective dependencies through interactions with various teams
Coordinate closely with design, quality, and manufacturing teams on spec changes and non-conformances
Develop project estimates by identifying project phases, key elements, personnel requirements, and associated costs.
Source suitable vendors from the market and develop innovative sourcing strategies. Also, perform make-vs-buy analysis in coordination with relevant teams
Ensure vendor compliance with AS9100 (aerospace quality standard) and relevant ITAR/EAR export control regulations
Prepare cost comparison reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing technical and commercial information
Negotiate with vendors to secure the best prices and commercial terms, and prepare vendor contracts that safeguard the best interests of the company
Track the delivery of components from vendors, prepare necessary paperwork for shipping and also assist the team in assessing product quality
Coordinate with vendors to facilitate the replacement or repair of procured components when required
Manage vendor payment schedules and adopt best vendor account management practices
Analyze project requirements and maintain a comprehensive vendor database to support current and future projects
Identify and mitigate single-source/sole-source supplier risks, especially for long-lead or specialty items (propellant-grade materials, avionics-grade electronics)
Monitor supplier financial health and business continuity risk
Track long-lead-time items and manage obsolescence risk for components
Use/maintain ERP systems for procurement planning and inventory visibility
Requirements
Bachelor's Degree
Experience in sourcing mechanical, electrical, or precision-machined components
Basic knowledge of negotiation principles and cost estimates
5 to 10 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or vendor management (aerospace, defense, or manufacturing industry preferred)
Understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications
Understanding of ITAR/EAR export control requirements

Work arrangement
No