Technical Sourcing Manager, Fiber & Backbone Infrastructure

Socket.dev; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (company-paid)

Disability insurance (short/long-term)

Job summary

IREN is building the fiber backbone for its data-center network and seeks a Technical Sourcing Manager to own end-to-end fiber procurement, supplier governance, and contractor relationships. You will drive commercial negotiations, planning, and permitting coordination to keep pace with build schedules.

You will lead 12–24 month demand forecasting, RFQ/RFP processes, and cross-functional collaboration with Facilities, Network Engineering, and Legal to ensure timely delivery and high-quality fiber

Qualifications

• 7+ years in sourcing/procurement spanning fiber optic cable, structured cabling, and outside-plant infrastructure.
• Data center, hyperscale, or telecom carrier experience preferred.
• Strong negotiating skills on complex commercial and construction agreements.
• Experience with permitting, easements, and right-of-way processes impacting construction timelines.
• Analytical ability to size fiber counts against multi-site buildouts.

Responsibilities

• Own fiber and backbone sourcing end-to-end: pricing, contracting, governance.
• Procure bulk fiber, connectors, passive components, and installation services.
• Plan long-haul route construction including contractor procurement and permitting.
• Track supply markets to avoid shortages and schedule blockers.
• Lead RFQ/RFP processes and manage supplier performance and reviews.
• Build 12–24 month demand forecasts with facilities and network engineering.

Skills

Fiber optic sourcing

Vendor negotiations

Contract governance

Route planning

Forecasting & analytics

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field

Tools

OTDR testing

Splicing methods

MPO/MTP connector knowledge

Job description

IREN is building the infrastructure behind the next era of AI. We design, build, and operate massive-scale data centers, and we're racing to deploy some of the largest fleets of GPU and CPU compute on the planet. This isn't incremental growth — it's a full-throttle sprint to power the frontier of AI and high-performance computing. Our Network Sourcing team sits at the center of that mission, securing the switches, optics, fiber, and backbone infrastructure that let IREN's data centers come online and stay connected as fast as anyone in the industry.

The Role

IREN is looking for a Technical Sourcing Manager, Fiber & Backbone Infrastructure to take full ownership of the physical fiber network IREN builds and owns end-to-end — from intra-data-center and hall-to-hall fiber through the long-haul backbone routes connecting IREN's sites. This is not a support role — you'll own the manufacturers, connector and passive suppliers, and outside-plant construction and permitting relationships that keep fiber ahead of, not behind, IREN's build schedule. If you love solving problems where construction, permitting, and materials sourcing all collide, and want to see your work show up as a hall lighting up on schedule or a new route connecting two sites — this is the seat for you. You'll operate with real autonomy, direct visibility to the Director, Network Sourcing, and the mandate to shape how IREN sources and builds owned fiber infrastructure at scale.

• Own fiber and backbone infrastructure sourcing end-to-end: commercial negotiations, pricing, contracting, and vendor/contractor governance.
• Drive sourcing and procurement of bulk fiber cable, connectors and passive components, and installation/splicing services for intra-DC and hall-to-hall runs.
• Plan and execute sourcing for new long-haul route construction, including outside-plant (OSP) contractor procurement, permitting/right-of-way coordination, and route-diversity engineering.
• Stay ahead of a supply-constrained fiber and connector market: track cable and high-density MPO/MTP/MMC availability and get out in front of shortages before they become blockers.
• Partner directly with Facilities, Construction, Network Engineering, and Legal to keep fiber and backbone timelines locked in step with build, permitting, and go-live milestones.
• Lead RFQ/RFP processes and cost modeling for fiber materials, splicing labor, and OSP construction contracts, including unit-based (per-mile/per-foot) pricing structures.
• Negotiate supply agreements, unit-price construction contracts, and quality/testing standards (OTDR, insertion loss, return loss) that protect IREN's speed and build quality.
• Own supplier and contractor performance — delivery, quality, escalations, and business reviews — and hold partners to a standard worthy of IREN's growth.
• Build and maintain rolling 12–24 month demand forecasts for fiber materials, labor, and route construction with facilities and network engineering.
• Hunt for cost-savings and risk-mitigation opportunities: route diversity, dual-sourcing of materials, and construction contract restructuring — anything that gives IREN an edge.

• 7+ years of experience in sourcing or procurement spanning fiber optic cable, structured cabling, and outside-plant/long‑haul telecommunications infrastructure; data center, hyperscale, or telecom carrier experience strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of fiber types, connector standards (e.g., MPO/MTP), polarity, splicing methods, and OTDR/insertion-loss testing and certification requirements.
• Demonstrated success negotiating complex commercial and construction agreements, including unit-based (per-mile/per-foot) contract structures.
• Working knowledge of permitting, easements, and right-of-way processes (municipal, utility, and railroad crossings) and their impact on construction timelines.
• Battle-tested experience navigating supply-constrained materials markets and long-lead-time construction/permitting cycles.
• Sharp analytical instincts — comfortable sizing fiber counts and route capacity against multi-site buildout roadmaps.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills; equally at home with facilities, construction, network engineering, and legal.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Preferred

• Existing relationships with fiber and cable manufacturers (e.g., Corning, OFS, Fujikura, Prysmian, Sumitomo) and OSP construction contractors.
• Experience planning route diversity and redundancy for owned backbone networks.
• Deep familiarity with data center commissioning timelines and how fiber delivery integrates with facility construction and rack integration schedules.

The IREN Package

At IREN, we offer a highly competitive compensation package that includes base salary, annual performance incentives, and opportunities to build long-term wealth through equity programs. These offerings are part of our broader Total Rewards package, thoughtfully designed to support your health, well-being, and long-term success.

Compensation

• The expected base salary for this role USD $200,000 – 250,000/annum.
  • Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and market data for the region.
• Total Compensation package may be inclusive of annual incentive bonus, equity (long-term incentive).
• Relocation or Living-out-allowance / per diem (as appliable and based on successful candidate circumstances)

Health & Wellness

• 100% company paid health insurance premiums (medical, dental, and vision) for employees, 75% company paid coverage for dependents
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Voluntary life, critical illness, and accident coverage available
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) – when combined with the High Deductible Health Plan
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources

Retirement & Financial Wealth

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Access to financial planning and legal services

Time Off & Leave Programs

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays

Growth & Development

• Internal skills training and advancement pathways
• Professional development to support certifications, continuing education, or role related training

Community & Culture

• Company events and team-building activities

We value diverse perspectives and believe that skills can be developed. If you’re passionate about this role, we want to hear from you — whether you meet every criteria or not. Your unique experiences might be exactly what we need!

IE US Operations Inc., the employing entity and proud member of the IREN group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We are committed to evaluating qualified applicants and do not discriminate against protected characteristics under applicable legislation.

IE US Operations, Inc. “IREN” participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

By applying for this position and submitting your resume and application materials, you consent to the processing of your personal information in accordance with our Job Applicant Privacy Statement available on our website at www.iren.com.