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Director, Procurement

Torrance, California, United States

Divergent is a technology company that has architected, invented, built, and commercialized an end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS™) that comprehensively uses machine learning to optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. Products created using DAPS are superior in performance, lower in cost, rapidly customizable to meet mission and customer-specific requirements, faster to market, and scalable on demand to high volume production. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding to support mission critical needs in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Join us to be a part of this transformative journey, where your impact will shape the future of technology and production. 

Purpose

The Director of Procurement will be responsible for the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for all goods and services across Divergent. This includes: 

  • Direct Procurement of raw materials, powders, machined components, and specialized services used in the production of 3D-printed parts. 
  • Capital Equipment Procurement for the internal development and construction of Divergent’s proprietary 3D printers—including motion systems, control electronics, high-precision actuators, laser systems, and other electromechanical components. 
  • Indirect Procurement of all supporting goods and services, including software, facilities, logistics, R&D tools, consulting, and IT infrastructure. 

This leader must interface cross-functionally with Engineering, Program Management, Production, Facilities, and Finance to ensure timely and cost-effective sourcing of highly specialized items in a complex, fast-paced environment. 

The Role

Strategic Procurement Leadership

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive sourcing strategy for both direct and indirect procurement. 
  • Define supplier segmentation, risk management frameworks, and cost-reduction initiatives across all categories. 
  • Establish clear procurement policies, governance structures, and compliance standards.

3D-Printed Component Supply Chain

  • Source and manage vendors for:
    • High-performance additive manufacturing powders (e.g., titanium, Inconel, aluminum alloys) 
    • Post-processing partners (heat treatment, HIP, machining, surface finishing) 
    • Custom tooling and jigs required for part validation and vehicle integration 
  • Ensure traceability, compliance with aerospace/automotive quality standards (e.g., AS9100, IATF 16949), and alignment with Divergent’s production ramp.

Capital Equipment Procurement (Printer Systems)

  • Partner with Engineering and R&D to source complex subassemblies for internal 3D printer builds: 
    • High-speed robotic arms and motion systems 
    • Optical systems, laser hardware, and photonics components 
    • Precision linear stages, actuators, sensors, and encoders 
    • PLCs, industrial PCs, drives, and custom control hardware 
  • Implement technical supplier audits and qualification for new vendors supporting long-lead custom items. 
  • Manage build schedule dependencies and long-lead time forecasting in coordination with hardware development teams. 

Indirect Procurement Management

  • Lead purchasing for all indirect categories, including: 
    • Facilities (construction, services, leases) 
    • IT/software (CAD/CAE tools, cloud infrastructure, enterprise applications) 
    • Consulting, HR, and G&A support services 
  • Negotiate complex service agreements and multi-year contracts to support business scalability. 

Supplier Performance & Relationship Management

  • Build a preferred supplier network with robust performance metrics (cost, quality, on-time delivery, innovation). 
  • Drive cost negotiation, volume pricing agreements, and long-term strategic partnerships. 
  • Monitor supplier health and ensure redundancy for critical categories. 

Team Building & Systems Implementation

  • Build and lead a growing team of category managers, buyers, and analysts. 
  • Select, implement, and optimize procurement systems (ERP, e-sourcing platforms, supplier portals). 
  • Develop real-time dashboards for spend visibility, savings tracking, and supplier KPIs. 

Basic Qualifications

  • Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a technical discipline; Master’s or MBA preferred. 
  • 10+ years of progressive procurement experience in advanced manufacturing, capital equipment, or R&D-intensive industries. 
  • Demonstrated experience sourcing high-complexity, low-volume systems (e.g., robotics, optics, automation equipment). 
  • Deep understanding of supply chain requirements for additive manufacturing and serialized hardware production. 
  • Excellent negotiation skills and experience managing supplier performance and escalation processes. 
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and influence across diverse technical teams. 
  • Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and procurement analytics platforms. 
  • Knowledge of ISO, AS9100, or similar quality standards highly desirable. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience supporting hardware product launches in automotive, aerospace, defense, or industrial automation sectors. 
  • Background in mechanical or electrical engineering with strong technical procurement acumen. 
  • Familiarity with design-for-manufacturing, new product introduction (NPI), and rapid prototyping processes. 

 

Pay Range

$163,455 - $224,783 USD

What We Offer:

  • Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world-class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results-based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.
  • Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year-end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.
  • Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company-sponsored life insurance and short and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
  • Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.
  • Collaborative and High-Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high-performing team within a fast-paced, mission-driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint. 


Equal Employment Opportunity
Divergent is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected characteristic. Divergent provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.
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In order to adjust to changes in our business, it may become necessary to add, remove or modify certain duties and responsibilities, or to reassign you to another job position. From time to time you may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected. 
 
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