Supply Chain & Procurement Manager
About Tycho.AI
Tycho.AI builds autonomy software for unmanned systems operating in GPS- and comms-denied environments. Backed by VCs with unicorn wins and trusted by defense customers, our team is rethinking autonomy from the chip up using modular AI, advanced visual-inertial sensing, and real-time edge compute to unlock next-gen mission capability.
About the Role
We're looking for a hands-on procurement and supply chain operator to own our end-to-end sourcing and inventory management. This is an individual contributor role; you'll be the one actually doing it, not managing a team that does it. The title reflects the seniority of the relationships you'll manage externally with suppliers, vendors, and government partners. As the company grows, so will the role,
You know your way around a spreadsheet and an ERP system. You've negotiated supplier agreements yourself. You track open POs, lead times, and inventory levels because you built the system that tracks them. If your instinct is to delegate the detailed work, this probably isn't the right fit.
Responsibilities
Own day-to-day procurement of hardware, electronics, sensors, compute modules, and specialized components for autonomous systems
Build and manage inventory tracking and supplier management systems from the ground up
Develop sourcing strategies that support rapid prototyping and near-term production scaling
Negotiate pricing, delivery terms, and agreements directly with domestic and international suppliers
Manage long-lead and sole-source components to inform what's on order, where it is, and when it lands
Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, and ITAR requirements across all purchasing activity
Identify supply chain risks (geopolitical, export controls, material shortages) and act on them proactively
Support audits, government reporting, and documentation requirements
Requirements
5+ years of hands-on supply chain and procurement experience, including work supporting defense or DoD programs
Experience personally procuring complex hardware or advanced technology components (not just overseeing others who do)
Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and export controls
Comfortable building processes from scratch in an early-stage environment
Track record of negotiating supplier agreements directly
Experience with ERP/MRP systems as a user and implementer, not just a specifier
Nice to Have
Experience supporting autonomous systems, robotics, aerospace, AI hardware, or advanced manufacturing
Background in scaling supply chains from prototype to low-rate initial production (LRIP)
Familiarity with SBIR/STTR program requirements
Why Tycho.AI
Be part of a rapidly scaling startup defining the future of autonomous intelligence
Collaborative, high-trust culture that values innovation, execution, and continuous learning
Competitive salary, equity, and a generous benefits package
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:
Tycho AI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or protected veteran status.
E-Verify and Right to Work
Tycho AI participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization in the United States. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. and may be subject to a government security clearance process.