Robotics Hardware Sourcing Manager | NPI to Production + Equity

OpenAI

San Francisco (CA)

On-site

USD 157,000 - 196,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Job summary

OpenAI is seeking a Technical Commodity Manager for Robotics in San Francisco. You will shape and scale a hardware supply chain, partnering with engineering during R&D to source components, qualify vendors, and manage quotes and samples.

The role evolves through NPI to high-volume production, balancing cost, risk, and schedule. We value judgment, adaptability, and first-principles thinking, with a strong foundation in strategic sourcing and supplier management.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field.
Strong grounding in strategic sourcing and supplier management.
Experience with hardware manufacturing or components is preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with engineering during R&D to source components, qualify vendors, and turn around quotes and samples quickly.
Build supplier relationships across relevant commodity categories and adapt to shifting needs.
Evaluate quotes, lead times, and vendor capabilities to make informed calls with incomplete data.
Collaborate with legal, finance, and leadership to gather approvals and remove roadblocks.
Help stand up processes, tools, and vendor scorecards for a growing supply chain organization.
Support NPI readiness with DFM feedback, first-article inspection, and pilot builds.
Assist transition of suppliers from prototype to production-grade.