BS in Engineering (Optics, Physics, Mechanical or Materials), Supply Chain Management, or related field.
8+ years in supply chain, sourcing, or supplier development for precision optics or photonics.
Working knowledge of optical manufacturing processes and techniques.
Ability to read optical drawings (ISO 10110) and understand specifications.
Proven track record of transitioning custom optical components from prototype to volume production.
Experience in negotiating supply and quality agreements.
Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.
Responsibilities
Own the sourcing strategy for optical components and sub-assemblies.
Identify and qualify suppliers globally, managing risks associated with sourcing.
Negotiate pricing, agreements, and capacity reservations with suppliers.
Lead the transition of parts from development to production suppliers.
Collaborate with engineering to create supplier-ready drawings and acceptance criteria.
Establish inspection processes and drive supplier corrective actions.
Develop demand and supply plans for production ramp-up.
Benefits
100% coverage of base health plan premiums for you and your dependents, plus HSA contributions.
Unlimited PTO with a focus on delivery rather than rigid vacation banks.
401(k) matching and stock option opportunities.
Full suite of voluntary benefits including Dental, Vision, Life, and more.
Personalized benefits options to fit individual needs.
Full Job Description
Location: Austin, TX or Sunnyvale, CA. Full-time onsite position.
Reports To: VP, Optics
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Overview
Neurophos is seeking a Staff Supply Chain Manager - Optics to build and manage the supply base for optical components and sub-assemblies in our optical processing unit (OPU). These include precision lenses and collimators, microlens arrays, diffractive optics, beam splitters, and optomechanical parts. You will take this supply base from prototype quantities through low-rate initial production to volume. You will link our optical engineering team with our suppliers, turning specifications into parts that arrive on time, in spec, and at the right cost.
Key Responsibilities
Sourcing strategy and supplier base
Own the sourcing strategy for optical components and sub-assemblies, including make/buy decisions with engineering and manufacturing.
Identify, assess, and qualify suppliers worldwide; set up second sources for critical parts and manage single-source, capacity, and geopolitical risk.
Run RFQs and negotiate pricing, long-term agreements, capacity reservations, NRE, and tooling.
Lead the transition of parts from development partners to production suppliers, including statements of work and transfer plans.
Supplier quality and engineering interface
Work with optical engineering to turn specifications and tolerances into supplier-ready drawings and acceptance criteria, and feed supplier design-for-manufacturing input back to the design team.
Set up first-article inspection, supplier qualification, and incoming inspection with the metrology team; drive supplier corrective actions.
Run supplier scorecards and business reviews on quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness.
Planning and operations
Build demand and supply plans and lead-time models for the production ramp; manage long-lead custom optics and raw materials such as optical glass, crystals and substrates.
Manage purchase orders, inventory, and consigned material at contract manufacturers.
Own should-cost models, cost-reduction roadmaps, and the optics procurement budget.
Build and lead a team of buyers and supplier engineers.
Qualifications
BS in Engineering (Optics, Physics, Mechanical or Materials), Supply Chain Management or a related field.
8+ years in supply chain, sourcing, or supplier development for precision optics or photonics.
Working knowledge of optical manufacturing: grinding and polishing, molding, thin-film coatings, lithographic and wafer-level micro-optics, and optical assembly.
Able to read optical drawings (ISO 10110) and understand surface form, wavefront error, surface quality, and coating specifications.
Track record of bringing custom optical components from prototype to volume production while reducing cost.
Experience negotiating supply, long-term, and quality agreements.
Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
Willingness to travel up to 25%, including internationally.
Comfortable using AI tools in your day-to-day work. We are building AI into how we design, source, and build optics.
Preferred Skills
MS or MBA.
Established network in the optics supply base across Asia, Europe, and North America.
Sourcing micro-optics, microlens arrays, or diffractive optics.
Semiconductor or wafer-level supply chain experience.
Export control, tariff, and trade compliance knowledge.
Managing contract manufacturers and consigned material.
APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM or CSCP).
What We Offer
This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in an innovative startup redefining the future of AI hardware. Work on game-changing technology at the intersection of photonics and AI as part of a collaborative, brilliant team. Youll contribute to a platform that redefines computational performance and accelerates the future of artificial intelligence. Come help us bring this transformative technology to the world.
Benefits
Join a team that invests in your future and your well-being. At Neurophos, we offer:
100% coverage of base health plan premiums for you and your dependents, plus HSA contributions.
Unlimited PTO. No rigid vacation banks, just a focus on delivery.
401(k) matching and stock option opportunities to ensure our success is your success.
Full suite of voluntary benefits, including Dental, Vision, Life, Hospital, Critical Illness, and Accident insurance.
Personalized Benefits. Choose the plans that fit your life and take the cash back for those that dont.
