Engineering & Hardware Category Manager

The Waymo Procurement and Vendor Enablement Office (PVEO) is the strategic engine behind our rapid commercial scaling. We don't just buy services; we design the workforce architecture that powers the Waymo Driver.

Develop and execute a comprehensive procurement strategy

• Balance cost optimization with speed-to-market for prototypes and technical development
• Proactively manage a high-volume pipeline of outsourced engineering workforce contracts
• Lead negotiations for mission-critical engineering design firms to secure favorable long-term commercial and IP terms

Structure and negotiate complex Statements of Work (SOWs) and Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) agreements

• Ensure successful project delivery and ROI
• Optimize Joint Design Manufacturing (JDM) and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) relationships for R&D components
• Ensure competitive pricing and seamless fulfillment logistics for hardware iterations

Partner with Engineering and Hardware leadership

• Lead complex "make vs. buy" analyses
• Influence technical requirements to drive commercial value and mitigate supply chain risk

Manage R&D hardware lifecycles

• Engage in EVT, DVT, PVT phases
• Negotiate with custom component manufacturers and prototyping houses

Financial Acumen and Contract Negotiation

• Present Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis to Finance and Hardware Engineering leadership
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts, including MSAs, NREs, JDM/ODM agreements, and highly technical Professional Services SOWs

High-Velocity Environment

• Operate in a high-velocity environment, managing multiple concurrent high-priority sourcing events for unreleased technologies

Qualifications

• 7+ years of strategic procurement experience, with at least 4+ years dedicated to Engineering Services, R&D, or Hardware sourcing
• Deep expertise in outsourced engineering models (managed services, staff augmentation, fixed-bid)
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex commercial contracts
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to present TCO analysis
• Ability to operate in a high-velocity environment, managing multiple concurrent high-priority sourcing events for unreleased technologies

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a hyper-growth Tech, Autonomous Vehicle (AV), or automotive manufacturing environment
• Engineering background or profound understanding of hardware development and systems engineering principles
• Experience using Ariba P2P, e-sourcing, and Spend Analysis tools

Benefits

• Discretionary annual bonus program
• Equity incentive plan
• Generous Company benefits program

Travel: 10-15% (Vendor QBRs, supplier audits, & HQ visits as needed)

Salary Range: $159,000—$196,000 USD