Sourcing Specialist – Electronic Components

Dracoe Dracoe is focused on ensuring Western democracies maintain a decisive edge in a rapidly changing global security environment. Built on real-world operational experience, the company develops mission-ready, sovereign manufacturing capabilities that enable drone dominance and deliver operational advantage. Dracoe designs and mass-produces NDAA-compliant drones and open-architecture systems in state-of-the-art facilities across the United States. Every platform is engineered for mission success, combining cutting-edge technology with proven reliability and relevance for defense and security applications. The organization partners closely with customers to design, develop, and scale tailored solutions, and is actively recruiting for multiple positions to support its growth. The Factory The Factory is where concepts are engineered, industrialized, and executed at scale. We take validated designs - developed internally in our Workshop or provided by customers - and progress them through rigorous Design for Assembly (DfA) and Design for Manufacturing (DfM) processes. Our focus is on optimizing products for automated, repeatable, high-throughput production. Our mandate is simple: deliver reliable output that meets performance, quality, and cost targets. The Factory integrates advanced manufacturing processes within a single, tightly controlled production environment to ensure consistency and scalability. Our operating model is data-driven and transparent by design. Clear performance metrics, robust process controls, and closed-loop feedback systems enable continuous improvement and uncompromising manufacturing excellence. Role summary This role finds, qualifies and secures the components and systems our builds depend on, with a strong focus on SMT and board-level components from global suppliers that meet NDAA and Blue UAS requirements. The work follows the problem: when a part is short or a supplier goes quiet, you chase it down until you find a compliant source. We want people who treat every shortage, quote and lead time as something to run down, not a ticket to wait on. Compliance: Suppliers worldwide are eligible if they meet current NDAA and Blue UAS requirements, which exclude designated countries of concern and companies they own or control. This applies to parts, manufacturers and subcontractors, and the restricted list changes as the law is updated (10 U.S.C. 4872). Key responsibilities Sourcing and supplier discovery Source electronic components and systems, with emphasis on SMT parts, passives, ICs, connectors and PCBs/PCBAs. Work global supply markets, sourcing only from countries and suppliers permitted under NDAA and Blue UAS. Build and maintain a pipeline of manufacturers, franchised distributors, vetted brokers and contract manufacturers. Find alternates and cross-references for constrained, end-of-life or long-lead parts, working with engineering to approve substitutes. Use sourcing platforms, industry contacts and trade shows to find suppliers others miss. Supplier qualification and risk Verify every supplier and part for NDAA and Blue UAS compliance, including country of origin and ownership, before it is approved or purchased. Vet new suppliers for authenticity, capacity, certifications and financial stability. Enforce counterfeit-avoidance practices: traceability, certificates of conformance, date codes, and inspection or testing on broker buys. Keep compliance records (country-of-origin, supplier declarations, certificates) audit-ready. Flag single-source, compliance and supply risks before they become shortages. Negotiation and purchasing Run RFQs, compare quotes, and negotiate price, MOQ, lead time, payment terms and Incoterms. Prepare POs in the ERP/MRP system and route them through the standard PO approval process; keep pricing and supplier data current. Use limited direct purchasing authority for samples and other small, low-value buys. Push for better terms on every buy, not only the large ones. Expediting and follow-through Chase open orders until parts ship; escalate early when dates slip. Pull in or secure allocation on critical-path parts to protect build schedules. Coordinate with logistics, freight forwarders and customs on inbound shipments. Communication and reporting Take and give clear shift handovers: what moved, what's stuck, what needs a decision. Work with engineering, production planning and quality on BOM needs, shortages and supplier issues. Report on cost savings, lead times, supplier performance and open risks. Experience Required 2–6 years in procurement, sourcing, buying or supply chain, ideally in electronics manufacturing or EMS. Working knowledge of SMT components and PCB assembly: reading BOMs, part numbers, packages and datasheets. Experience sourcing from domestic and international manufacturers and authorized distributors. Comfortable with ERP/MRP systems and Excel (lookups, pivots, quote comparisons). Strong written English; clear, fast, and specific in email and chat. Preferred A second language used in permitted supplier markets (e.g., Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Vietnamese): highly preferred, not required. Experience with broker markets, shortage buys and counterfeit-mitigation (e.g., AS6081 / IDEA-STD-1010 awareness). Familiarity with NDAA sourcing restrictions (e.g., FY2020 Section 848, FY2019 Section 889, the American Security Drone Act), the Blue UAS program, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, Incoterms and customs. Degree in supply chain, business, engineering or related field, or equivalent experience. APICS/ASCM (CPIM, CSCP) or similar certification. Who we're looking for We hire for drive first; component knowledge can deepen on the job. Relentless: \"No stock\" is a starting point. You find the second, third and tenth source. Urgent: You close loops the same shift and follow up before anyone must ask. Resourceful: You work phones, messaging apps, email and contacts to get a real answer. Tough negotiator, fair partner: You push hard on price and lead time while keeping suppliers wanting to work with us. Skeptical: You verify claims, documents and parts, and you don't let pressure override quality. Self-directed: You run your queue with little oversight in the evening hours. Clear communicator: Your handovers are short, specific and decision ready. Schedule once handover is complete, you may finish the remainder of the shift remotely. This position may require occasional domestic and international travel, including travel outside the United States, to visit suppliers, attend industry events or support business needs. Travel is expected to be infrequent and will typically be arranged with advance notice. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a valid passport and any travel documents required for international travel. What success looks like Shortages get solved before they stop the line. RFQs come back fast, and quotes are compared and negotiated, not just accepted. The approved supplier base grows with vetted, reliable sources, including alternates for critical parts. Open orders arrive on time because they were chased early and escalated when needed. No counterfeit, nonconforming or non-compliant parts get through, and every buy has NDAA / Blue UAS documentation behind it. Handovers are clear enough that the next shift can act without asking follow-up questions. What you’ll get Compensation Competitive salary Benefits We offer comprehensive health insurance, 28 days of PTO, 401K and equity in a mission-driven company. Stipends You'll receive an annual stipend for gym reimbursements for up to $1000 per year and approved role-related learning credits for up to $1000 per year. Dracoe is an equal opportunity employer