Strategic Sourcing & Partnerships - Software Tools & Licenses

Details

OpenAI’s Hardware organization develops silicon and system-level solutions for advanced AI workloads. This role sits at the intersection of strategic sourcing, vendor partnerships, and engineering enablement — owning sourcing strategy, licensing, and supplier relationships for EDA, IP, emulation, and related chip/system toolchains that support OpenAI’s ASIC and infrastructure programs.

About the Team

The Hardware team builds next-generation AI-native silicon, production-grade systems for OpenAI’s supercomputing infrastructure, and custom design tools and methodologies to accelerate innovation and enable hardware optimized for AI.

About the role

You will be the single-threaded owner for EDA/IP, emulation, and chip supplier engagements: driving supplier selection, commercial structures, contract negotiations, renewals, capacity commitments, and ongoing vendor performance management. You will partner closely with engineering, legal, and finance to translate technical requirements into sourcing specifications, shorten contract cycles, eliminate duplicate licensing spend, and establish governance and reporting for spend, utilization, capacity, and risk.

Compensation summary: $205K – $335K • Offers Equity

Responsibilities

• Drive commercial structures and contracts across ASIC supply chain engagements, including IP blocks, design services, verification, foundry/OSAT engagements, and NPI ramp support to shorten contract cycles and secure timely resources and capacity.
• Lead end-to-end supplier and licensing strategy for EDA, IP, and large rack systems supporting ASIC and infrastructure programs; rationalize licensing across organizations to maximize efficiency and eliminate duplicate spend.
• Own supplier/partner selection, evaluation, pricing, contracting, renewals, and performance management across current and future partners.
• Lead emulator negotiations, capacity planning, and usage agreements; develop escalation paths to meet critical engineering needs.
• Build and maintain executive relationships with suppliers/partners; run QBRs/TRMs, negotiate early-access programs, and align on joint roadmaps.
• Translate engineering requirements into sourcing specifications, terms, and license structures; manage vendor escalations and hold suppliers accountable for commitments.
• Partner with engineering, legal, and finance to balance trade-offs and ensure engagements are strategic to maximize long-term leverage.
• Provide dashboards and reporting on spend, utilization, capacity, and risk.

Requirements

• 8+ years in EDA/IP licensing, strategic sourcing, supplier strategy, or related roles.
• Experience in ASIC partnerships/strategic sourcing and deep familiarity with vendors in supply chains and ecosystems.
• Deep familiarity with EDA vendors, IP vendors, design services, and emulation providers.
• Strong commercial negotiation skills with a proven track record of securing favorable terms and managing complex contracts.
• Ability to partner with engineering leaders to translate technical needs into commercial outcomes.
• Executive maturity and presence to represent OpenAI with top vendor leadership.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills; able to manage ongoing needs while supporting rapid escalations.

Benefits & Additional information

• Base pay may vary by market location, knowledge, skills, and experience; total compensation includes equity and possible performance-related bonuses.
• Benefits include medical/dental/vision, HSA contributions, FSA accounts, 401(k) with match, paid parental and caregiver leave, PTO, company holidays and office closures, mental health support, employer-paid basic life and disability coverage, annual learning stipend, daily meals and meal credits, and additional fringe benefits.
• Relocation support for eligible employees is offered.
• To comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidates may need to meet certain legal status requirements.
• OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer. Background checks will be administered in accordance with applicable law. Reasonable accommodations available for applicants with disabilities.