Procurement Engineer

Procurement Engineer

Company:

About Chara Technologies

Chara Technologies is a Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup building scalable, rare-earth-mineral-free synchronous reluctance motors and controllers for EVs and industrial applications, with a mission to reduce India's dependence on imported rare-earth magnets.

About the Role

As Procurement Engineer, you'll drive sourcing and procurement for EV traction motor components - spanning laminations, machined parts, castings, copper, windings, insulation/resins, housings, sensors, and electronics - working closely with global and domestic suppliers. You'll partner closely with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance to balance cost, quality, delivery, and supply risk, while getting hands-on exposure to EV motor, controller, and manufacturing processes at a fast-scaling deep-tech company.

What You Will Do

1. Develop sourcing strategy and identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers for traction motor commodities based on quality, capacity, cost, and technology fit.
2. Drive supplier APQP/PPAP readiness, conduct supplier audits, and ensure timely closure of gaps and corrective actions.
3. Lead cost analysis, benchmarking, and value engineering (VAVE) with the Design/ME team; negotiate pricing, contracts, and long-term agreements.
4. Track commodity risk exposure (e.g. material price volatility) and manage a cost-reduction roadmap across material, logistics, and process.
5. Monitor supplier scorecards (OTD, quality, responsiveness, cost) and drive improvements in incoming quality and traceability.
6. Ensure material availability for production lines through demand planning, inventory management (DOH, turns, safety stock), and S&OP/S&OE processes.
7. Build and manage inbound logistics for domestic and international suppliers, including freight, customs, and warehousing.
8. Monitor supply risks (capacity, geopolitical, logistics) and lead mitigation/crisis response for shortages or supplier disruptions.
9. Collaborate cross-functionally with Design Engineering (DFM, early supplier involvement), Manufacturing/ME (tooling, ramp-up), Finance (budgeting, contracts), and Program Management (NPI, PPAP, launch readiness).

What We're Looking For

1. 2-3 years of experience in sourcing, supplier management, price negotiation, cost reduction, or vendor development, ideally within automotive or electromechanical manufacturing.
2. A relevant engineering degree.
3. Strong negotiation, commercial, and risk management skills.
4. Comfortable handling both strategic sourcing initiatives and hands-on, day-to-day procurement operations.
5. Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and IATF 16949 is a plus but not mandatory.
6. Exposure to ERP systems and supply chain analytics tools is an advantage.
7. Open to occasional domestic and/or international travel for supplier visits.