Job Details

Technical Sourcing & Procurement Specialist - Freelance, Remote

Department: Support & Leadership

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Global+

Reporting To: Client via Magic

Compensation: $7.00 / hour

Description

About the Client

A fast-growing robotics company designing and building electromechanical systems relies on a global supply base for critical components. They develop hardware that blends electronics and mechanical assemblies and must move quickly from prototypes to production. As they scale, they're expanding their sourcing capacity to ensure reliable supply, quality, and cost performance.

Why does this role exist? The team needs dedicated, technically capable sourcing support to relieve engineering of time-consuming supplier research, RFQs, and order management. This role exists to translate engineering needs into actionable supplier requirements, qualify options, negotiate best terms, and keep orders moving without constant escalation to the lead engineer. As the company scales, this position will help reduce bottlenecks, improve cost/quality/lead times, and expand the supplier base across key categories.

The Impact you'll make

Technical component sourcing and qualification

• Research and source motors, actuators, sensors, custom cables, USB electronics, and related components from global suppliers per engineering specs.
• Read and interpret datasheets, ratings, and mechanical/electrical constraints to ensure fit-for-purpose selection.
• Evaluate supplier-proposed alternatives for functional/quality equivalence; identify tradeoffs and recommend best options.

• Find, contact, and qualify suppliers in China and globally using Alibaba, AliExpress, Taobao, WeChat, and email/phone outreach.
• Request, track, and compare quotes (pricing, MOQs, lead times, payment/term options); maintain apples-to-apples comparisons.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and sample orders to optimize total cost and schedule.

• Place and track sample and production orders; manage shipping/logistics follow-up and basic import/shipping questions.
• Coordinate product modifications/custom builds (e.g., embedding chips in cables) by converting specs into clear, actionable requirements for suppliers.
• Proactively surface risks, delays, and mitigations; keep stakeholders updated.

• Maintain a supplier database including contacts, capabilities, quality history, pricing, certificates, lead times, and red flags.
• Communicate concise summaries with pros/cons and recommended next steps to the lead engineer.
• Assist with purchase administration: POs, invoices, basic cost tracking, and reconciliation.

• Identify better/more reliable suppliers and component alternatives; drive cost, quality, and lead-time improvements.
• Capture lessons learned and refine templates, RFQ criteria, and vetting checklists.

• Intermediate electronics knowledge; able to read/interpret component specs and datasheets; Bachelor's in Electrical/Electronics Engineering preferred.
• Demonstrated experience sourcing electromechanical/electronic components and qualifying suppliers in China and globally.
• Proven RFQ management and negotiation across pricing, MOQs, lead times, and payment terms.
• Ability to judge supplier alternatives against functional/quality requirements and make sound recommendations.
• Experience placing/tracking orders and handling basic logistics/import coordination.
• WFH Set-Up:
  • Computer with at least 8GB RAM, an Intel i5 core processor/AMD Ryzen 5 Processor and up.
  • Internet speed of at least 40MBPS
  • Headset with an extended mic that has noise cancellation and a webcam
  • Back-up computer and internet connection
  • Quiet, dedicated workspace at home

• Technical: BOM reading, component cross-referencing, tolerance/rating interpretation; basic drawing/CAD comprehension is a plus.
• Tools: Proficient with Alibaba/AliExpress/Taobao, WeChat, spreadsheets; comfortable using Magic AI Tool for drafting/research and Grammarly for clear writing.
• Communication: Concise summaries, clear pros/cons, and decisive recommendations; professional vendor communication.
• Negotiation and persistence: Tenacious follow-up, data-driven bargaining, and risk-aware judgment.
• Organization and detail: Meticulous documentation, status tracking, and database upkeep; continuous-improvement mindset.

• You enjoy turning engineering requirements into precise supplier requests and can read datasheets without getting lost.
• You make sound trade-off calls and keep work moving without constant escalation to the lead engineer.
• You thrive in fast-paced robotics environments and can juggle RFQs, negotiations, and order tracking.
• You value accuracy, follow-through, and driving better cost/quality/lead times over time.

• Remote position
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a quiet workspace
• Required to provide own computer with Intel Core i5 or something similar or higher operating system

• 40 hours per week
• Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5 PM PST

• $7 per hour
• No benefits package included