Freelance Geopolitical Risk Analyst Jobs in California

Application close date:

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

Blue Origin was founded by Jeff Bezos with the vision of enabling a future where millions of people live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. As one of the world's most ambitious aerospace and technology companies, Blue Origin develops reusable launch vehicles, in-space systems, and advanced propulsion technologies that are reshaping humanity's access to space. We believe in gradual, incremental progress - and in building systems and teams that are safe, reliable, and built to last. Our work spans New Shepard, New Glenn, Blue Moon, and a growing portfolio of programs that demand the highest standards of engineering, operations, and supply chain excellence. At Blue Origin, every role contributes to a mission larger than any single program: a future where the resources of space are available to all.

Blue Origin's supply chain organization manages a procurement portfolio that supports advanced manufacturing across our space vehicle programs - spanning critical semiconductor materials, advanced ASIC components, and a global network of foundry, OSAT, and component suppliers, operating at the pace and discipline required to support high-complexity aerospace programs at scale.

As a Principal Supply Chain Program Manager, you will coordinate with internal customers to architect and execute end-to-end supply chain strategy for critical ASIC materials and components, serving as the primary interface between manufacturing partners, internal R&D, engineering, and operations. This is a critical-path role for a proven supply chain leader who thrives in technically complex, commercially driven environments shaped by geopolitical risk, AI-driven demand surges, and semiconductor industry volatility.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead end-to-end procurement and strategic sourcing for high-value ASIC materials and components, including silicon wafers, specialized semiconductor inputs, advanced packaging, and specialized semiconductor inputs, driving total cost of ownership optimization across a large-scale commercial program
• Negotiate and manage long-term agreements (LTAs) and Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contracts with global foundries, OSAT partners, and component vendors to secure supply continuity and cost-effective partnerships
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships through segmentation, technical and commercial performance reviews, scorecard reporting, and supplier roadmap alignment to program milestones
• Develop and execute supply chain risk mitigation strategies - including dual-sourcing programs and Preferred Manufacturer List management - to address geopolitical, capacity, and material shortage risks
• Leverage AI-driven analytics and ERP/MRP systems for supply chain visibility, demand forecasting, and exception management from wafer start through final test and delivery
• Drive industrialization and capacity readiness with foundry and OSAT partners - including capacity reservation and allocation agreements, wafer start commitments, tooling and mask set planning, and production ramp readiness to meet volume and yield targets
• Lead supplier capacity planning and process qualification across the semiconductor supply base, partnering with engineering on PPAP/PCN management and technology transfer from NPI through high-volume manufacturing
• Assess and track supplier Technical Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL), driving maturation plans that align supplier capability to program phase gates and production commitments
• Manage supplier internal schedules and milestones - integrating supplier build, test, and delivery commitments into the master program schedule and driving recovery actions on constraints that threaten program need dates
• Serve as the primary cross-functional interface between customers, internal stakeholders (R&D, engineering, operations, quality), and global supply chain partners to support technology roadmaps and supplier qualification activities
• Monitor semiconductor market trends - including wafer pricing, memory market volatility, and regional capacity constraints - delivering executive-level risk and opportunity analysis with actionable strategic recommendations
• Produce monthly and quarterly reporting on supplier performance, production yield, program financials, and supply continuity KPIs for senior leadership and program stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Law, Business, or a related technical field, or higher
• Minimum 8 years of experience in engineering, operations, supply chain management, procurement, or supplier development within the semiconductor or electronics manufacturing industry
• Minimum 3 years of demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing and contract development and negotiations for custom silicon, ASICs, or critical semiconductor components
• Demonstrated experience with semiconductor supply chain processes, including foundry operations, OSAT, advanced packaging, and test
• Ability to travel internationally up to 25% as required by program needs
• Proficiency in ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and supplier management portal tools for demand forecasting and scenario planning

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or Business Administration (MBA)
• Experience managing large-scale procurement programs, including multi-year LTA structuring, should-cost modeling, and executive-level financial reporting
• Familiarity with AI-driven supply chain visibility or predictive analytics tools applied to semiconductor procurement or capacity planning
• Experience supporting the full semiconductor product lifecycle from early-stage development and NPI through high-volume production ramp, including supplier qualification and yield improvement programs
• Exposure to ASICs design processes, including understanding of NRE and associated software and tooling
• Professional certification in supply chain management, such as APICS CSCP or CPSM

Base Pay Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.