Strategic Silicon & Tech Sourcing Principal, Networking Silicon

About the role

AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. We support all AWS data centers and the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers.

This role is for an experienced Principal Technical Sourcing Manager to lead strategic sourcing, technology road mapping, industry enabling, and related project execution for components including Switch ASIC, other critical networking silicon, and related platforms. You will develop sourcing strategies and clear action plans to drive the lowest total cost of ownership, fueling exponential growth across our data centers.

Responsibilities

• Silicon Sourcing Strategy & Execution
  • Develop and implement comprehensive sourcing strategies for custom and high-complexity silicon components
  • Create and execute strategic sourcing plans aligned with product development timelines and business unit requirements
  • Lead RFIs and sourcing engagements for silicon components, ensuring optimal supplier selection
  • Analyze spending patterns and market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities in silicon procurement
• Technical & Supplier Management
  • Serve as technical liaison between procurement and engineering teams for silicon-related matters
  • Evaluate supplier core competencies and competitive positioning using industry cost models
  • Influence suppliers' manufacturing processes and technology decisions for mutual benefit
  • Develop and maintain risk mitigation plans for critical silicon components
  • Champion sustainability initiatives within the silicon supply chain
• Negotiation & Relationship Management
• Lead complex negotiations for silicon contracts, development agreements, and favorable terms
• Build and manage strategic relationships with key silicon vendors
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to align requirements and ensure feasible solutions
• Negotiate and implement supplier agreements working with legal and technical teams
• Analysis & Market Intelligence
  • Conduct thorough market analysis of silicon industry trends and competitive positioning
  • Forecast future supply and demand for silicon components
  • Develop lifecycle cost models considering total cost of ownership
  • Maintain expertise in silicon component technology and manufacturing processes

A day in the life: You will work closely with business partners to manage the Networking Silicon business, focusing on mid- and long-term technology sourcing strategies. You will partner with hardware engineering teams to devise sourcing and technology development plans for next-generation networking hardware. This includes interactions with hardware development, network design, finance, legal, and other teams. You will manage executive-level supplier relationships, drive roadmap planning, and execute against a technology migration strategy. You will collaborate with peers (Global Supply Managers and Product Lifecycle Managers) to drive a well-rounded category strategy.

Requirements

• Technical Expertise
  • Strong technical understanding of silicon component technology and semiconductor manufacturing
  • Experience in silicon supply chain management or operations
  • Knowledge of device architecture and production processes
• Business & Analytical Skills
  • Proven analytical and critical thinking capabilities
  • Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
  • Experience in cost modeling and financial analysis
  • Ability to develop and execute strategic sourcing plans
• Additional Requirements
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams in technical environments
  • Strong project management and communication skills
  • Approximately 20% travel required
  • Track record of successful supplier relationship management in the semiconductor industry

Qualifications

• 7+ years of developing, negotiating, and executing business agreements
• 7+ years of professional or military experience
• 7+ years of experience working with Core Cloud Technology Services (Compute, Edge, Hybrid, Security, Networking, etc.)
• 7+ years of experience working with Business Application Technologies (End User Compute, Supply Chain, Contact Center as a Service, etc.)
• 7+ years of experience solving problems with technology in industries such as Healthcare/Life Sciences, Media & Entertainment, Global Financial Services, Telecommunications, Automotive & Manufacturing, or Energy & Utilities
• 7+ years of Go-To-Market, Business Development, Sales, or Consulting experience
• 7+ years of experience working with Advanced Compute technologies (Accelerated Compute, High Performance Compute, IoT, etc.)
• 7+ years of experience working with Enterprise Application Modernization and Migration technologies (Mainframe, Serverless, Containers, Cloud Operations, etc.)
• 7+ years of experience working with Data & AI related technologies (AI/ML, GenAI, Analytics, Database, Storage, etc.)
• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience developing strategies that influence leadership decisions at the organizational level

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a founder or executive focused on related segments, or as a practice leader or business unit owner
• Experience selling to Fortune 1000 or Global 2000 organizations

About the team

The Networking team consists of global category managers (Procurement), supply chain managers (Supply Chain), product lifecycle managers (Lifecycle), and technical product/program managers (Automation/Tools). We manage the broad base of networking suppliers and internal AWS initiatives that help build the AWS cloud. Our responsibilities include driving supply continuity, technology development and adoption, cost optimization, and internal supply chain systems development for networking categories (switches, optics, cables, DWDM, branded OEM, and strategic silicon). We are located in multiple regional hubs across the United States and work with suppliers and business partners globally.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform, trusted by startups to Global 500 companies. We value diverse experiences and strive for work-life harmony, offering flexibility and a supportive culture. Our employee-led affinity groups foster inclusion, and we provide ongoing learning experiences to help you develop as a professional.