Skip to content
Supply Chain Lead – Robotics
| Company | OpenAI |
|---|
| Location | San Francisco, CA, USA |
|---|
| Salary | $240000 – $310000 |
|---|
| Type | Full-Time |
|---|
| Degrees | |
|---|
| Experience Level | Senior, Expert or higher |
|---|
Requirements
- Deep experience with domestic manufacturing ecosystems and a strong network of trusted U.S. vendors and partners
- Led or supported design for manufacturability (DFM) efforts across multiple hardware programs from R&D through production
- Possess general engineering knowledge to support the sourcing of technical components
- Can independently manage complex supply chain processes but are also capable of building scalable systems and advising leadership on org design
- Communicate clearly and effectively across a range of technical and non-technical audiences
Responsibilities
- Lead supply chain development for first-of-a-kind hardware components, focusing on domestic and international manufacturing partners across precision machining, electromechanical assembly, and rapid prototyping
- Create and implement a long-term manufacturing strategy that aligns sourcing, capacity planning, and risk mitigation with OpenAI’s broader product roadmap
- Partner closely with design and engineering teams to improve manufacturability, reduce cost, and streamline production workflows from early-stage prototyping to scaled production
- Establish and manage a high quality network of suppliers and contract manufacturers, building strong relationships with vendors and manufacturing partners
- Operate as a hands-on contributor by placing POs, expediting parts, resolving quality issues, and developing frameworks and best practices for how the supply chain should evolve over time
- Contribute to and advise on organizational scaling plans for the supply chain and operations functions, including tooling, systems, and hiring as the team grows
- Own performance metrics for cost, lead time, and supplier quality, and continuously drive process improvements
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in advanced industries such as robotics, aerospace, energy systems, or similar sectors
- Familiarity with ERP system implementation or process automation for hardware supply chains
- A history of working with engineering teams to bring products from prototype to production, especially under aggressive timelines and evolving requirements
