Strategic Silicon & Tech Sourcing Principal, Networking Silicon

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. We work on challenging problems with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain and are looking for talented people who want to help.

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 deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost. You’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.

About the role

We are looking 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 for our growing Infrastructure. In this role, you will develop sourcing strategies and clear action plans to drive the lowest total cost of ownership, fueling exponential growth across our data centers. You will engage with multiple business and engineering partners to drive plans and execution, satisfying the demanding needs of a high-growth industry impacting markets worldwide.

As a thought leader, you will analyze industry trends involving vendors, customers, and technology to develop strategies that reduce cost, minimize risk, protect continuity of supply, and utilize emerging opportunities. You will lead internal engagements across Supply Chain, Engineering, and Business organizations while diving deep into technologies and operations from both product and supply chain perspectives.

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 daily, 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, deployment engineering teams, finance, legal, and others. You will manage working and executive-level supplier relationships, drive roadmap planning, and execute against a technology migration strategy. You will collaborate with peers from your core category team (GSM and PLM) 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 experience
• 7+ years of business development, partnership management, or sourcing new business experience
• 7+ years of professional or military experience
• Experience writing technical articles, speaking at technology conferences, and contributing to open source
• Experience developing and executing on GTM strategies that are large in scope

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing, deploying, and managing AI products at scale
• Experience interfacing with customers (Enterprise, SMB, and Startups) and converting customer requirements to high-level architecture solutions

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 Amazon 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 such as 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. Our team is a mix of industry experts and those aspiring to grow their expertise, bringing diverse backgrounds to the table.

Benefits

Amazon offers comprehensive benefits including:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Basic Life & AD&D insurance with options for supplemental life plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Mental Health Support
• Medical Advice Line
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Adoption assistance
• Sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs)

Pay

The base salary range for this position varies by location. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and location.