Supply Chain Manager

OpenLight, a fast-growing silicon photonics company, is seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager to drive and scale our operations as we enter a new phase of our business. OpenLight is a well-funded privately held company with a mission to bring the benefits of Heterogeneous Integration to the market and has customers in a range of industries including AI and datacom, machine vision and LIDAR. As we expand our operations to meet unprecedented demand, this role will be central to enable our manufacturing ramp in a high growth market and will work closely with engineering, program management, and executive leadership to ensure continuity and quality across our supplier base.What you will do:Own end-to-end supplier relationships across epitaxial growth (EPI), wafer fabrication (Fab), and backend processes including OSATs, bumping, and dicing, as well as PCB manufacturers, packaging and assembly housesManage purchase orders, lead times, and capacity allocations with key suppliersWork with product management and sales to understand demand, forecast and lead time requirements from customersDevelop and maintain supply forecasts aligned with engineering roadmaps and production ramp plansProactively identify supply risks and drive mitigation strategiesNegotiate pricing, MOQs, and contractual terms with suppliersConduct quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with strategic suppliers, tracking quality metrics, delivery performance, and costCoordinate new supplier qualification in collaboration with process and quality engineering teamsMaintain accurate supply chain data including forecasts, commitments, and inventory levelsSupport engineering teams on material availability for R&D and pilot production runsDrive continuous improvement in supplier performance and supply chain processesYour background and experience include:Minimum 10 years of supply chain or operations experience in a semiconductor or photonics environmentFamiliarity with wafer fabrication, epitaxial growth, or compound semiconductor manufacturingExperience managing backend processes (OSAT, dicing, bumping)Strong communication and negotiation skills; comfortable engaging directly with supplier engineering and commercial teamsAbility to manage multiple suppliers and programs simultaneously in a fast-paced startup environmentProficiency with Arena or supply chain management toolsWillingness and ability to travel, domestically or internationally, about once a quarterBachelor's Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related fieldLocationWith offices near city and sand in Santa Clara and Goleta, California, and a hybrid schedule, you'll be set for this role to fit into your life and livelihood. This role is also open for a remote hire within the US, with ability to travel quarterly, as mentioned above.Why Join UsThis is a high-impact role at a critical stage for the growth of OpenLight. OpenLight recently announced both the closure of an $84m series A funding round as well as the first production customers on our PH18DA platform and we are well positioned to intercept the transition of Silicon Photonics from a niche technology to the dominant format for design and fabrication of optical components and systems. You will have direct visibility to leadership and the opportunity to build and shape our supply chain function from the ground up at an exciting time for the industry.