Strategic Sourcing Manager, Electronic Components

Waymo's Supply Chain and Manufacturing teams are making the technology of the future a reality. We handle all production processes and supplier development strategies: from contracts and purchasing, to designs for improved manufacturing, through quality control and delivery. We collaborate actively with Waymo engineering teams as well as external suppliers and partners to make sure everything is built to spec and delivered on time to meet the rising demands of our business.

This role follows a hybrid work schedule and reports to the Head of Silicon & Compute Strategic Sourcing.

You will:

• Develop Category & Technology Strategy: Architect and execute multi-year sourcing strategies across key EE commodities (processors, custom ASICs/SoCs, PMICs, analog & mixed-signal ICs, passives, photonics/sensors, connectors, and high-density interconnect PCBs) aligned with Waymo's technical roadmap.
• Lead Commercial Negotiations: Drive all aspects of supplier negotiation, including market intelligence,  pricing, supply agreements, and contracts (SOWs/MSAs/HSAs/MPAs), to ensure best-in-class cost, quality, and supply assurance.
• Manage Supplier Performance: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, leading regular business reviews to align on strategy, manage performance, lead various audits, and drive continuous improvement.
• Drive Cost & Risk Management: Own the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for your commodities. Develop should-cost models (present/forward looking), lead cost-reduction programs, and proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks (e.g., capacity constraints, EOL).
• Act as a Cross-Functional Partner: Serve as the central commercial owner and a core partner to Engineering and Product teams, guiding complex sourcing decisions and technology selections to help achieve the needed goals for Waymo. A solid candidate will have the have the ability to understand technical datasheets and specifications as well as knowledge of manufacturing process controls and quality assurance
• Make it happen: We need a problem solver who sees a commercial, technical, communications, or negotiations challenge and sees an opportunity. As a startup we need critical thinkers who are not afraid of learning a new skill to solve a problem.
• Thrive in ambiguity: Often our space requires out of the box thinking and the “ask” might not be 100% clear, we need someone who can get to the root of the need quickly and solve. Be able to work in an evolving AV and semiconductor market and achieve our goals. Be able to communicate effectively internally and externally from execs to working level.

You have:

• 8+ years of experience in EE or custom silicon commodity management
• Deep experience in should costing, silicon manufacturing, and the semiconductor ecosystem
• Bachelor’s degree in EE Engineering and/or equivalent experience or evidence of exceptional ability. 
• Ability to multitask, prioritize and work in an extremely fast-paced environment 
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time including International travel
• Strong communication, negotiation, presentation and analytical skills are required.  
• Proficient with excel or Google sheets. 
• Problem solving skills collaborating with cross-functional teams (Engineering, quality, manufacturing.

We prefer:

• Prior work experience at Apple, Google, Meta, Amazon or Tesla as an EE GSM
• Hands on experience with foundries, IDMs, ASIC, memory, or EDA/IP firms
• Masters in Electrical Engineering degree is a plus
• Working knowledge of Tier-1 Contract Manufacturer / EMS engagement models (e.g., Quanta, Foxconn, Jabil, Flex) regarding component pass-through pricing and consigned inventory.
• Experience with APAC supplier base

Travel Requirement:

• 20% including International Travel