VP, Supply Chain

About Darkhive, LLC 

Established in 2021, Darkhive provides accessible situational awareness systems for public safety and defense communities. Our approach in accessibility is built on three pillars: low-cost, ease-of-use, and open interface design. 

With our autonomy software stack, military and public safety users intuitively interact with our robotics platforms which enable them to understand their environment and make decisions when it matters most. Our palm-sized, autonomous drone demonstrates the capabilities of our integrated software and hardware solutions. 

Darkhive is a growing group of U.S. Special Operations veterans, aerospace engineers, robotics perception experts, DevSecOps, defense technology executives, and superb support staff—above all, we are a mission-first team. We believe that the U.S. and our allies around the world deserve high-quality, affordable tools that keep them safe when each second counts. 

If you are a free-thinking problem solver who is looking for a highly collaborative and innovative environment, apply with Darkhive today! 

The VP of Supply Chain Role: 

1. Strategic Sourcing & Architecture: You will be the principal architect of Darkhive’s global supply network, establishing a resilient ecosystem for small electrical components (PCBs, sensors, micro-electronics), hardware (plastics, metal fab, cables) and high performing OEMs to support component and end item sourcing.  This includes vendor management, global risk mitigation and redundant sourcing. As the leader, you will build and establish best practice policies and procedures for the team that will set the standard for supply chain operations and align with industry best practices. 
2. Operational Scaling: Support the transition from prototyping to high-volume manufacturing, implementing the infrastructure and processes required to scale production with key partners.  Develop a robust AVL with vendors selected for each stage of the engineering development cycle. 
3. Risk & Compliance Management: Ensure security, compliance and quality across vendor and partner relationships.  Responsible for the proper vetting of relationships and the proper registration and labelling of all internal products.  Manages the certifications (CE, UL), classifications (EAR, ITAR) and following all import, export and license rules. 
4. Leadership: As an experienced supply chain professional, you will build out and support a team of employees who manage supply chain, logistics, product support, procurement and vendor management.  Your ability to coach, mentor and grow a high functioning team will be critical to the long-term success of the company. 

This is a Full-Time, Exempt, Supervisory role reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). This role is On-Site in San Antonio, TX with up to 10% Travel Expectation for supplier visits and facility management. 

Qualifications you bring: 

1. Executive Leadership: 10+ years of experience; VP or Director level leading supply chain operations within a high-growth hardware technology or aerospace/defense company. 
2. Electronics Sourcing Expertise: Deep, technical knowledge of the global electronic component market, specifically regarding the procurement and lifecycle management of small-scale electrical components. 
3. High-Volume Manufacturing Experience: A proven track record of successfully scaling hardware products from low-rate initial production (LRIP) to high-volume commercial or defense-grade output. 

Bonus Qualifications: 

• Drone Industry Experience: Direct experience in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) or robotics industry 
• Engineering Experience: Previous engineering/technical background in related industry 
• An active security clearance (this is not required) 
• Startup Experience: Prior experience in a fast-paced, Series A or Series B startup environment, specifically building supply chain departments from the ground up 

Physical and/or Mental Requirements: 

• Ability to sit and/or stand for periods of time. 
• Ability to use a keyboard, mouse, and other equipment with or without accommodations. 
• Ability to maintain awareness during business hours. 
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication and good command of the English language. 
• Learns and memorizes routine tasks. 
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to any person with a disability to be able to perform the essential job functions of this position. 
• Darkhive retains the right to change or assign other duties as required for this position. 

Selection Process: 

1. Hiring team reviews applications 
2. 15-minute pre-screen with Darkhive recruiter 
3. 30-minute phone screen with the hiring manager 
4. Take home project 
5. In-person or video interview with hiring team 

Benefits Darkhive offers: 

• Comprehensive medical plans 
• 100% employer paid dental and vision insurance premiums 
• Automatic 401k employer contribution with vesting 
• Paid vacation and personal time off 
• 11 Paid holidays 
• 5 days of sick leave 
• Stock options 
• Welcoming and friendly work environment 
• Respect of work-life balance 

Darkhive is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant because of race, color, gender (including pregnancy), age, gender identity, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.