Category Manager (PCB/PCBA)

About Epirus

Epirus is a high-growth technology company developing software-defined high-power microwave (HPM) systems with devastating counter-electronics effects on modern drone threats. The Epirus Leonidas HPM family of products, empowered by innovations in AI and microelectronics, is human-safe and cost-effective. Distinguishing itself from lasers, Leonidas excels against drone swarms while also bending the cost curve back in DoD's favor - taking drone defeat costs from millions of dollars per drone to pennies on the dollar.

Job Summary: The Epirus Supply Chain team is seeking a highly skilled, motivated, and experienced Category Manager focused on PCB/PCBAs to support our growing HPM business. This organization oversees the direct material sourcing for PCBAs for the company. In this role, you will own and manage the PCB/PCBA commodity strategy including leading supplier selection decisions with engineering, managing and developing key supplier relationships, driving cost reductions, and supporting new product introductions from a supply chain perspective. As a Category Manager, you will build and leverage strong working relationships with cross-functional partners in engineering and work together with our suppliers to ensure cost, quality, and delivery targets are met to achieve maximum advantage for Epirus and our customers.

Responsibilities: 

• Own category strategy for PCBAs for Epirus products including developing and maintaining relationships with strategic partners and identifying new suppliers as needed to support Epirus business and technical requirements 

• Collaborate with counterparts and stakeholders in managing PCBAs and ensure commodity strategy aligns across all teams 

• Own RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs in support of projects and lead supplier selection decisions, as required 

• Assess supplier capabilities and capacity to support current and future technical and demand requirements; ensure suppliers selected can scale and grow with Epirus 

• Lead contract negotiations with suppliers to complete supply, development, licensing and service agreements as needed 

• Managing overall supplier relationships including supplier performance, capability, capacity planning, contracting, risk mitigation, and cost and quality improvements. 

• Collaborating with technical operations, engineering, and program teams on new product introduction programs to define standard and custom product requirements to ensure that sourcing strategies meet the technical capabilities, cost, and business objectives. 

• Develop efficient and accurate mechanisms for communicating forecast and capacity requirements for sustaining and new products. 

• Supporting the purchasing and planning teams by monitoring supplier performance and addressing supply and/or quality issues. 

• Developing a commodity and supplier technology roadmap, aligning business requirements with supplier capabilities. 

• Lead and execute supplier resourcing projects as needed 

• Build and develop cost models to aid in cost negotiations 

• Drive cost negotiations with suppliers to ensure Epirus receives best possible value utilizing TCO model; leverage cost models and analysis on current market conditions 

• Responsible for maintaining monthly supplier scorecards and conducting quarterly executive business reviews. 
   

Basic Qualifications:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or Operations Management or equivalent experience 

• At least 5 years of supply chain experience in a fast paced, highly fluid environment or other evidence of exceptional ability 

• Technical procurement and deep understanding of manufacturing processes within stated commodity 

• Full understanding of PCB/PCBA production process 

• Entire manufacturing process of contract manufacturer 

• Familiar with attrition and packaging of components  

• Understanding of contractual FAR/DFAR flow downs for electronic components  

• Knowledge of electronic materials in the global market 

• Familiarity with value-add services such as: AOI, flying probe testing, and conformal coating 

• Experience reading datasheets, drawings, and blueprints 

• Exposure to both RF and Digital PCB/PCBA 

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Engineering degree 

• Experience with AS9100 D and CPSR 

• Proven track record of leadership and team building skills 

• Strong vendor management experience 

• Supply Chain experience with HPM and/or RF PCB/PCBAs  

• Experience with contract negotiation 

• Experience in a manufacturing organization is strongly preferred 

• Exceptional analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills 

• Knowledge and skills in current technologies and applications (e.g. MS Office Suite, SQL, Access, Altium, Solidworks, etc.) 

• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills 

• Ability to learn quickly and prioritize appropriately to meet customer and company needs 

• Excellent customer service skills 

• Ability to make sound, logical decisions in ambiguous situations or without having all details defined 

• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environment 

• Conducts all activities with the highest levels of integrity 

Additional Requirements: 

• Must be able to travel up to 35% work week travel may be required, including international travel
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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. Learn more about the ITAR here.    

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: 

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

People are the most important part of Epirus – and always come first. We don’t believe in the word impossible and are always asking “why not” as work to usher in a new paradigm of power efficiency. Our fast-growing team is agile, creative, and innovative. We support a culture of constant learning and sense of belonging among our team members and know that mentorship matters. We embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. To deliver on our mission, we are always looking for problem solvers, changemakers and innovators to join our fast-growing team.