Principal NPI Planner (2026-377)Role OverviewAstera Labs is seeking a Principal NPI Planner to lead supply chain planning and execution for ASIC new product introductions, from early engineering builds through ramp readiness. This role owns cross-functional schedule alignment, material readiness, supply-demand coordination, and launch execution, ensuring new products move from development into manufacturing on time and with minimal supply risk.
As a hyper-growth company building the connectivity that powers rack-scale AI infrastructure, our ability to bring new silicon to market fast is a competitive advantage. You will partner closely with engineering, operations, business teams, and external manufacturing partners to build executable plans, surface risks early, and drive resolution across the product lifecycle. This is a highly visible role for someone who thrives in a fast-moving semiconductor environment and turns complexity into clear execution.
Key Responsibilities- NPI Planning & Execution
- Own NPI planning activities for ASIC products from engineering builds through RTM and production ramp readiness.
- Build and maintain detailed product schedules, including key milestones, material readiness dates, build plans, and customer delivery requirements.
- Support ERP and planning-system execution for NPI materials, inventory tracking, purchase orders, and related planning transactions.
- Cross-Functional & Supplier Coordination
- Partner with engineering, operations, procurement, finance, and external manufacturing partners to align demand, supply, and execution plans.
- Track and drive material readiness for wafers, substrates, test hardware, and other critical components required to support builds.
- Coordinate with OSATs, suppliers, and contract manufacturers to support build execution, monitor WIP and finished goods status, and resolve schedule or supply constraints.
- Risk Management & Business Communication
- Identify launch risks, capacity gaps, and execution roadblocks early, then drive cross-functional mitigation plans to protect program timelines.
- Analyze supplier quotes and support cost and delivery tradeoff discussions to ensure supply commitments align with program needs.
- Prepare clear status updates, risk assessments, and escalation materials for business and operations reviews.
- Partner with sustaining or HVM planners to ensure an effective handoff once products transition beyond the NPI phase.
Basic Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field.
- 8 + years of experience in NPI planning, supply chain planning, production planning, or manufacturing operations.
- Experience supporting semiconductor, fabless, OSAT, EMS, or other high-tech manufacturing environments.
- Strong working knowledge of supply-demand planning, material planning, inventory management, and supplier or factory coordination.
- Experience building and managing detailed schedules across multiple cross-functional stakeholders.
- Advanced Excel skills and hands-on experience working in ERP or MRP systems, with strong analytical and communication skills to influence internal teams and external partners.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience supporting ASIC or other semiconductor new product introductions.
- Familiarity with wafer, assembly, test, substrate, or hardware readiness planning.
- Experience working with global suppliers or manufacturing partners in Asia.
- Experience with reporting, dashboards, or data analysis to improve planning visibility and execution.
Salary range is $160,000 to $200,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonus, incentives and benefits.
