Sourcing Manager - Mechanicals (AI Infrastructure)

Location: Santa Clara, California (Hybrid)

Company

Builds high-performance AI infrastructure hardware and software for large cloud operators, focusing on efficient and scalable AI workload solutions.

What you will do

• Lead commercial management and sourcing strategy for global mechanical, thermal, and power manufacturers across NPI and mass production.
• Own supplier selection, business awards, commercial governance, scorecards, KPI dashboards, and quarterly business reviews.
• Negotiate manufacturing and supply agreements covering pricing, payment terms, tooling, capex, warranties, service levels, liability, and intellectual property protection.
• Partner with Hardware Engineering, Technical Program Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Operations, Finance, and Legal on NPI readiness and supplier execution.
• Drive cost reduction through should-cost analysis, design-for-cost, value engineering, supply chain optimization, and competitive sourcing.
• Manage supplier escalations involving quality, capacity, material availability, delivery, pricing variance, and production schedules.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, sourcing, commercial management, or contract manufacturing.
• 5+ years managing Tier 1 sheet metal and mechanical component manufacturers, including direct engagement with contract manufacturers in China, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
• Deep understanding of cost structures, bills of materials, value engineering, cost optimization, and should-cost modeling.
• Experience with data center, consumer electronics, high-volume hardware, or advanced electromechanical system manufacturing.
• Strong experience in NPI, NTI, factory bring-up, early supplier engagement, supplier scorecards, performance metrics, and corrective action processes.
• Ability to negotiate complex commercial agreements, lead cross-functional programs, influence stakeholders, and operate in fast-paced hardware development environments.

Nice to have

• Experience with networking hardware, AI infrastructure hardware, or cloud-scale electromechanical systems.
• Knowledge of PCB/PCBA manufacturing, mechanical tooling, liquid cooling, and precision manufacturing processes.
• Exposure to supply chain risk management, dual sourcing, and global capacity strategy.
• MBA or advanced technical degree in engineering or supply chain.

Culture & Benefits

• Startup environment supported by an experienced team with a track record of building successful companies.
• Collaboration with experienced engineers on mission-critical computer systems projects.
• Opportunity to solve complex problems in AI infrastructure hardware and software.
• Fast-growing environment with exposure to advanced hardware development and cloud-scale systems.