About Vatn Systems:

Vatn Systems is an innovative startup at the forefront of designing and manufacturing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security, exploration, research, and operations through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled engineering. Our AUVs are defining the next generation of underwater autonomy.

The Role

As the Global Supply Manager, you will be both the strategic and tactical engine behind our manufacturing growth. You won't just be cutting POs; you will be architecting the material flow for our AUVs, negotiating with vendors to secure critical components, and ensuring our production lines never starve.We need an operator who can speak "engineering" as fluently as they speak "procurement." You will own the lifecycle of critical commodities—from NPI (New Product Introduction) sourcing to full-rate production planning. You will be the bridge between our engineering team in Bristol and a network of suppliers, ensuring we hit our aggressive cost targets without sacrificing the reliability required for defense hardware.

Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development:

• Hunter Mentality: Identify, qualify, and onboard suppliers for complex mechanical and electrical assemblies
• Cost Engineering: Partner with engineering to drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback to suppliers. Your goal is to reduce unit costs and maintain our "attritable" price point.
• Negotiation: Lead RFI/RFQ/RFP and strategic sourcing process. Secure favorable terms, master service agreements (MSAs), and lock in long-lead strategic stock. You are the shield protecting Vatn from market volatility.
• ERP Guru: Act as a super-user for our ERP system. Maintain immaculate purchase orders, lead times and safety stock levels.

Planning:

• Create The Plan You Execute Against: Translate top-level production targets into actionable material requirements. Own “Clear-to-Build” and other flow-downs
• Risk Management: Identify single points of failure in the supply chain and execute mitigation strategies before they stop the line.

Tactical Execution:

• Resolve blocked invoices, shipping delays, and quality non-conformances (NCRs) with urgency.
• Manage expediting critical shortages to support rapid R&D sprints and customer deliverables.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, engineering, or related technical field
• 4+ years in technical procurement, supply chain planning, or manufacturing operations within a hardware startup, aerospace, or defense environment.
• Ability to read engineering drawings (GD&T knowledge is a plus) and understand BOM structures for complex electromechanical assemblies.
• Advanced Excel proficiency (PivotTables, etc; SQL is a plus). You make decisions based on data, not gut feeling.

Preferred Skills

• Previous experience in defense, aerospace, automotive, high tech, or related industry
• Proven track record of taking a product from prototype to mass production.
• Familiarity or experience working with machined components for naval, aerospace, medical, energy, or automotive applications
• Strong ability to read drawings and specifications with an understanding of manufacturing complexity
• Proven ability to lead through influence and drive other teams to a common goal. You know how to effectively communicate and collaborate cross functionally and with all levels within an organization
• You are fluent in other cross functional areas to fill gaps and remove roadblocks when needed
• Understanding of ITAR, EAR, and defense procurement regulations

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally for business needs - up to 50%
• This position is based in Bristol, RI and requires being onsite.

Why Join Vatn?

• Work with cutting-edge underwater autonomous technology
• Collaborative startup atmosphere that encourages innovation and problem-solving
• Open communication and positive work environment
• Significant growth opportunities as our company expands
• Competitive compensation and benefits package

Vatn is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially having you join our team in shaping the future of autonomous underwater exploration.