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ORCA Computing is developing full-stack photonic quantum systems designed to transform machine learning, generative AI, and complex optimization challenges. The company has delivered eleven on-premises quantum computers worldwide and is preparing to launch its next-generation PT-3 system. You will own strategic sourcing for specialized photonic and quantum components, identifying, qualifying, and managing suppliers for low-volume, long-lead-time parts that are frequently single- or dual-sourced.
Key responsibilities include:
• Own subcontract management, leading commercial and technical relationships with manufacturing, assembly, and integration partners, including Statements of Work (SOWs), deliverable tracking, and supplier performance monitoring.
• Manage suppliers operating under license from ORCA, ensuring appropriate handling of intellectual property and overseeing joint investment decisions.
• Run day-to-day procurement operations across direct (hardware) and indirect spend, including purchasing, cost negotiation, and supplier onboarding, establishing repeatable processes.
• Build supply chain resilience by mitigating single-source risk, monitoring lead times, planning for continuity, and feeding supply risk into ORCA's wider risk register.
• Lead on export control and compliance in sourcing, working with Legal to manage dual-use and ITAR-adjacent considerations in supplier contracts and cross-border supply.
• Develop strong working relationships with key suppliers, acting as a trusted point of contact and supporting them in building the business case for ongoing investment.
• Drive supplier-led initiatives to improve quality and performance of products and services.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Project Management, Legal, and Finance to translate demanding hardware requirements into deliverable, commercially sound supply arrangements.
• Secure increasingly favorable commercial terms as production volumes grow, ensuring supplier capability and contracts keep pace with roadmap.
REQUIREMENTS:
Required:
- Demonstrable experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or subcontract management within a hardware business such as aerospace, defense, semiconductors, photonics, scientific instrumentation, or comparable deep-tech engineering.
- Track record of negotiating and managing supplier contracts and subcontracts, including SOWs, deliverables, acceptance criteria, and performance terms.
- Experience managing supplier or licensing arrangements involving intellectual property and joint investment decisions, with sound commercial and IP awareness.
- Confidence operating within low-volume, high-complexity, long-lead-time supply chains, as distinct from high-volume commercial procurement.
- Working knowledge of export control as it applies to cross-border sourcing, including UK export control and dual-use and ITAR/EAR-adjacent regimes.
- Strong commercial judgment and confidence to engage directly with engineers on complex, fast-evolving hardware requirements.
- Comfort establishing processes from first principles, given there is no existing procurement function to inherit.
Nice to have:
- Experience in a regulated or quality-critical manufacturing environment (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001) and familiarity with supplier approval requirements.
- Familiarity with photonics, optics, cryogenics, or precision-engineered and electronic components.
- Experience scaling new products into volume manufacture and supporting production ramp-up.
- Exposure to implementing or improving ERP and procurement systems within a scaling company.
- Professional procurement qualification such as CIPS.
Desired traits: Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively, excellent communication skills particularly in a commercial setting, growth mindset, results-driven, enthusiasm for new technologies and interest in quantum computing.
