Senior R&D Supply Chain Specialist

Job description

Role Highlights - Senior R&D Supply Chain Specialist - Global Supply Chain - Munich - Permanent Employment - Office/On-site based - Language: German (native) / English (B2 minimum) - Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO, where required)     WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS: We are looking for a highly driven and technically proficient Senior R&D Supply Chain Specialist to join our fast-moving Global Supply Chain Organization in support of engineering. This role sits at the center of rapid hardware development, supporting engineering teams designing and building complex electronic systems under tight, shifting timelines. You will operate with a startup mindset—moving quickly, removing obstacles, identifying creative sourcing paths, and keeping development builds on track despite evolving designs, supply volatility, and aggressive schedules. You must be comfortable with ambiguity, thrive under pressure, and bring a deep understanding of electronics, PCB manufacturing, and hardware prototyping. WHO WE ARE ICEYE is the world leader in sovereign intelligence from space. We deliver persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth. ICEYE owns the world's largest and most advanced SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellite constellation. To our customers we provide intelligence with unmatched quality, latency and revisit times, in any weather, day or night. To governments who choose to operate their own constellation we provide this proven capability as a sovereign system. ICEYE-built constellations serve customers in defence and intelligence, environmental monitoring, insurance and emergency management. We enable fast decisions that contribute to a safer future. Founded and headquartered in Finland, ICEYE operates globally with over 1000 employees across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. EXPECTED OUTCOMES & RESPONSIBILITIES HIGH-VELOCITY ENGINEERING SUPPORT - Serve as the hands-on supply chain counterpart for fast-paced electronics engineering teams working on multiple, rapidly evolving hardware projects. - Translate early-stage concepts, evolving BOMs, and mid-design changes into actionable sourcing steps with minimal delay. - Provide engineers with real-time insights on component availability, alternates, obsolescence, and quick-turn manufacturing options. - Identify supply issues before they become blockers and propose workaround paths immediately. RAPID SOURCING & PROCUREMENT EXECUTION - Own sourcing and procurement for electronic components, PCB fabrication, PCBA assembly, connectors, sensors, RF parts, embedded modules, and custom mechanical parts. - React quickly to BOM updates and design pivots, securing materials that keep prototype and pilot builds moving with minimal downtime. - Manage relationships with agile suppliers capable of quick-turn, small-batch production. - Lead efforts to find alternative components or new supply paths within hours—not weeks—when shortages occur. SUPPLIER INTERACTION & TECHNICAL ENGAGEMENT - Work closely with electronics suppliers to understand lead time constraints, technical manufacturing capabilities, DFM implications, and opportunities for fast-track builds. - Support technical capability assessments of PCB/PCBA vendors, machining partners, and component distributors. - Negotiate accelerated manufacturing slots, expedite shipments, and secure prototypes under extremely compressed timelines. CROSS-FUNCTIONAL START-UP COLLABORATION - Coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, program management, and operations to remove obstacles and maintain build readiness. - Maintain complete visibility into prototype schedules, engineering changes, and material risks—communicating clearly and frequently. - Operate with a bias for action: if something is unclear, you chase it; if something breaks, you fix it; if something is missing, you find it. AGILITY, RISK MANAGEMENT & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT - Build and maintain a living view of supply risks across all active programs; proactively propose mitigation actions. - Keep sourcing documentation, cost tracking, and procurement data updated even under fast-moving conditions. - Bring an experimentation mindset: test new suppliers, new sourcing channels, new manufacturing partners, and new tools to reduce lead times and cost. EXPECTED COMPETENCIES & QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, Supply Chain, or similar. - 5+ years of direct experience in electronics sourcing, component procurement, or engineering supply chain roles in fast-moving hardware environments. - Strong technical understanding of semiconductors, passive components, PCB fabrication, PCBA assembly, embedded electronics, and prototyping flows. - Demonstrated ability to work effectively in startup-like conditions—tight deadlines, shifting priorities, and rapid cycles. - Hands-on experience interpreting electronic schematics, BOMs, AVL requirements, PCB stackups, and manufacturing documentation. - Proficiency with ERP systems and engineering/project tools. - Strong communication, problem-solving, and negotiation abilities. ADVANTAGEOUS TO HAVE THESE COMPETENCIES - Experience in hardware startups, deep-tech environments, or fast-paced R&D organizations. - Existing relationships with PCB/PCBA vendors, distributors, and electronics manufacturing partners. - Certifications (APICS, PMP, Six Sigma) useful but not required. - Familiarity with rapid-prototyping suppliers, global component marketplaces, and digital sourcing tools. APPLICATION PROCESS - Talent Acquisition Interview - Hiring Manager interview - Task Stage - Task-based interview - Final Interview WORKING AT ICEYE At ICEYE, you’ll join a diverse and highly engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. As a global scale-up, we combine speed and ambition with the opportunity to take real ownership from day one. Your growth, wellbeing, and success are a priority, with continuous professional development, training opportunities, and a culture where collaboration is how we win. HOW WE WORK (OUR VALUES) Make the impossible possible: We set ambitious goals and stay calm under pressure. We bring grit, optimism, and ownership when things get hard, and we keep moving until we find a way. - Be curious: Go deep, ask questions, listen carefully, and think critically. Understand the “why” behind decisions. - See the big picture: Stay close to what’s happening across the company so you can make better decisions. Consider how your work affects others. - Drive effective teamwork: Create psychological safety, invite different perspectives, and build inclusive teams. There are no bad questions. - Act as one team: We win together. We match tasks to the right owner and stay agile as priorities shift. - Have fun: What we do matters—and it should be enjoyable. Celebrate progress, take pride in results, and share the wins. BENEFITS Our benefits are designed to support your health and wellbeing, at work and beyond. We keep improving them based on employee feedback, and offerings vary by location. Talent Attraction will confirm what applies for this role and location during the process. Base salary range for this position is, dependant on experience, and will be negotiated individually OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION We want ICEYE to be a place where people can be themselves and do great work. Different backgrounds and perspectives make us stronger, which is why we work to create an environment where people feel included, respected, and able to speak up. Whatever your background, we want you to bring your authentic self to the table. We’re committed to fair, inclusive hiring and equal opportunity. Everyone is welcome to apply. If you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, tell us—we’ll do our best to help. Apply now to start your ICEYE journey, and help us continue to make the impossible possible together. Read more about ICEYE and working with us at iceye.com http://iceye.com.