Strategic Sourcer

Description

About Base

Base is America’s next-generation power company. We’re rebuilding the foundation of modern civilization–electricity–by deploying a vast network of distributed batteries that is transforming today’s fragile, centralized grid into a resilient and abundant system. We are engineers, operators, and creatives solving some of the most complex, interdisciplinary challenges of our time.

About the Role

Base is hiring an early-career Strategic Sourcer to own the suppliers behind our home battery systems. This is an entry-level Global Supply Manager role for an engineer who wants to work where hardware meets the supply base. You'll dig into drawings and specs, figure out how parts are made and what they should cost, and take them from RFQ to award and through production ramp. You'll start with your own set of parts, learn from senior supply managers, and take on bigger categories as you prove yourself.

Our supply chain team sources components, runs manufacturing operations, and builds the supplier partnerships we need to make the lowest-cost, highest-quality home batteries at scale. Homeowners across the country rely on Base for whole-home backup and lower electricity bills. Our network of home batteries also helps keep the grid stable as demand climbs from AI, electrification, and extreme weather. We build in-house and expand at a speed and cost incumbents can't match, and this team makes that possible.

Please note: Base is a startup, which means priorities shift and evolve quickly. Your role may expand or change based on the needs of the business at any given time, so the responsibilities listed may not be exhaustive.

Our Values

First Principles Thinking: Question assumptions. Principles > rules.

Operate at Base Pace: Focus on what matters, act quickly, and learn by doing.

Give & Get Feedback: Be direct, be humble, and maintain a growth mindset.

Everyone’s an Owner: Follow through on commitments and own results.

Strong Opinions, Loosely Held: Drive clarity and make calls with imperfect information.

Committed to the Mission: Rebuilding the grid is a big challenge. We work hard because we care deeply about the impact we’re creating. We work in-person. It’s not a 9-to-5. We are all-in.

Fun & Optimism Coexist with Grit: Collaboration and celebration coincide with the intensity of building real things.

Do the best work of your life at Base.

Responsibilities

• Own sourcing for your assigned parts end to end: review drawings and specs, run RFQs, compare bids technically and commercially, and award business.
• Build should-cost models from materials, processes, and cycle times to find real cost-downs.
• Work with design engineers on design for manufacturability (DFM) and cost tradeoffs before parts are released.
• Find, audit, and qualify new suppliers alongside engineering and quality, including on-site visits.
• Manage supplier performance on cost, quality, and delivery, and drive root cause and corrective action when parts fail.
• Negotiate piece price, tooling, and terms, and get supply agreements signed.
• Keep supply ahead of demand as we ramp: lead times, capacity, and open orders.
• What You'll Bring
• A degree in mechanical, electrical, industrial, manufacturing, or a related engineering field.
• 0–2 years of experience in manufacturing, hardware engineering, sourcing, or supply chain, including internships.
• The ability to read engineering drawings and understand how parts are designed and made.
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
• Clear, direct written and verbal communication.
• Comfort negotiating and holding suppliers accountable.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, about 25% of the time.
• Preferred Skills
• Internship or work experience in manufacturing, supplier quality, or sourcing at a hardware company.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing processes such as injection molding, sheet metal, machining, casting, or electronics assembly.
• Familiarity with GD&T, PPAP, or FMEA.
• Project team experience building hardware, such as Formula SAE, robotics, or solar car.
• Experience with CAD, MRP, or ERP systems.