SOURCING SPECIALIST (All Levels)
Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will be at the center of advanced technologies in the coming century. Making advanced technology ubiquitous means building at scale, and that’s exactly what we’re doing at Mesh.
We are seeking a Sourcing Specialist or Senior Sourcing Specialist to build and own the supply base that makes high-volume photonic manufacturing possible. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role at the intersection of precision hardware procurement and production-scale execution. You will source across a diverse commodity set including optical and photonic components, PCBAs, mechanical hardware, and semiconductors, and work directly with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to ensure our supply chain is fast, resilient, and cost-competitive. The level and scope of the role will be determined based on your experience. This position is based onsite at our facility and requires day-to-day presence on the manufacturing floor and with our supplier base.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and manage a preferred supplier network for optical/photonic components, PCBAs, mechanical hardware, and semiconductors, spanning both domestic and international supply bases
- Own the full sourcing lifecycle: issue RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs; run competitive evaluations; drive sourcing decisions; and negotiate contracts that protect Mesh's interests on cost, quality, and delivery
- Develop should-cost models and perform benchmarking to ensure Mesh achieves best-in-class pricing across managed categories; drive continuous cost reduction and avoidance initiatives
- Pull and aggregate demand signals across programs and translate them into accurate, actionable procurement plans that enable production rate
- Work directly with engineering teams during new product introduction to qualify suppliers early, define technical requirements, and ensure supply readiness ahead of first builds and production ramp
- Manage costs aggressively to ensure adherence to project-specific budgets and forecasts; present sourcing strategies, cost reviews, and supply risk summaries to internal stakeholders and leadership
- Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks and develop contingency plans to maintain continuity of supply
- Conduct supplier performance reviews, track delivery and quality KPIs, and drive accountability against commitments
- Build genuine, productive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders; act as the primary interface between Mesh and the supply base for all commercial matters
- Respond quickly to schedule changes, engineering revisions, and supply disruptions, maintaining urgency and clear communication across all affected parties
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Sourcing Specialist: Bachelor's degree in supply chain, engineering, business, or a related field and 1+ years of sourcing, procurement, or supply chain experience; or 4+ years of relevant experience.
- Senior Sourcing Specialist: Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of sourcing or procurement experience; or 7+ years of relevant experience.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
- Experience sourcing optical or photonic components, including lenses, fibers, waveguides, coatings, or photonic integrated circuits
- Experience with PCBA procurement, including knowledge of electronic manufacturing services (EMS), contract manufacturers, and bare board suppliers
- Familiarity with semiconductor supply chains, EEE component procurement, or custom ASIC/silicon sourcing
- Experience with new product introduction and production ramp procurement, including supplier qualification and first article execution
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, schematics, Gerber files, and technical data sheets
- Proven track record of negotiating preferred pricing, long-term agreements, and supply assurance terms that drive measurable value
- Experience developing should-cost models and using data analytics to identify cost reduction and process improvement opportunities
- Familiarity with cleanroom or controlled-environment manufacturing supply chains
- Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills across all levels of an organization
- Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to respond quickly in a fast-moving, ever-changing environment
- Conducts all activities with integrity and urgency
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Souring Specialist: $80,000 - $100,000/per year
Senior Sourcing Specialist: $96,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year
Title and base salary are determined on a case by case basis commensurate with experience and merit.
In addition to base salary, compensation for this role includes:
- Eligibility for long-term incentives including company stock options and discretionary bonuses awarded for exceptional achievements.
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance with significant cost covered by the company for yourself and dependents.
- Paid parental leave and flexible PTO (3 weeks accrued vacation and 10 company holidays per year).
- 401(k) retirement plan access.
- Relocation assistance to sunny Los Angeles.
