Engineering & Hardware Category Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Arizona, +4 more states.

📋 Description

• Formulate and implement a procurement strategy for Engineering Services and R&D Hardware.

• Achieve a balance between cost efficiency and rapid market delivery for prototypes and technical development.

• Oversee a substantial volume of outsourced engineering workforce contracts.

• Spearhead negotiations with essential engineering design firms regarding long-term commercial and intellectual property agreements.

• Design and negotiate intricate SOWs and NRE contracts for hardware development.

• Enhance JDM and ODM partnerships for R&D components, focusing on pricing and logistics for fulfillment.

• Provide guidance to Engineering and Hardware leadership on make-versus-buy evaluations and technical specifications.

• Collaborate with Legal to ensure intellectual property protection and uphold cybersecurity standards in agreements.

• Perform vendor QBRs, supplier audits, and HQ visits as necessary.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 7 years of experience in strategic procurement.

• A minimum of 4 years focused on Engineering Services, R&D, or Hardware sourcing.

• Extensive knowledge of outsourced engineering models, including managed services, staff augmentation, and fixed-bid contracts.

• Proven experience negotiating with Tier 1 engineering service providers.

• Demonstrated ability to draft and negotiate complex commercial agreements, including MSAs, NREs, JDM/ODM contracts, and highly technical Professional Services SOWs.

• Experience in managing R&D hardware lifecycles, covering EVT, DVT, and PVT stages.

• Proficient in negotiating with custom component manufacturers and prototyping firms.

• Strong financial skills and capacity to present TCO analyses to Finance and Hardware Engineering leadership.

• Capability to handle multiple concurrent high-priority sourcing initiatives for unreleased technologies.

• Experience in a rapidly growing Tech, Autonomous Vehicle, or automotive manufacturing setting.

• An engineering background or a deep understanding of hardware development and systems engineering principles.

• Familiarity with Ariba P2P, e-sourcing, and Spend Analysis tools.

🏝️ Benefits

• Discretionary annual bonus program.

• Equity incentive plan.

• Comprehensive Company benefits program, subject to eligibility criteria.

• Option for remote work.

• Estimated travel of 10–15%, including vendor QBRs, supplier audits, and necessary HQ visits.