Engineering & Hardware Category Manager
RemoteHunter · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $177,500 / year
- United States
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Job highlights
- Lead procurement for engineering services and R&D hardware.
- Negotiate contracts with engineering design firms.
- Manage outsourced engineering workforce contracts.
- Advise leadership on make vs. buy decisions.
- Ensure IP and cybersecurity compliance.
About the role
About Our Client
The organization operates in the autonomous driving technology industry, focusing on developing advanced self-driving systems to improve mobility access and enhance road safety. It has developed a proprietary autonomous driving platform that powers ride-hail services and is adaptable to various vehicle types. With extensive real-world and simulated driving experience across multiple U.S. states, the company addresses challenges in mobility and traffic safety at scale.About the Opportunity
The Engineering & Hardware Category Manager leads the Enterprise Outsourcing & Services vertical within the Procurement and Vendor Enablement Office. This senior leadership role is responsible for defining and executing procurement strategies that optimize the acquisition of engineering services and R&D hardware. The position partners with cross-functional executives to scale technical capabilities through external partnerships, ensuring the effective sourcing and management of outsourced engineering and hardware contracts.Responsibilities
- Develop and implement procurement strategies for engineering services and R&D hardware balancing cost and speed-to-market.
- Manage a high-volume pipeline of outsourced engineering workforce contracts.
- Lead negotiations for engineering design firms to secure favorable long-term commercial and IP terms.
- Structure and negotiate complex Statements of Work and Non-Recurring Engineering agreements.
- Optimize manufacturing partnerships for R&D components ensuring competitive pricing and fulfillment.
- Provide strategic advice to Engineering and Hardware leadership on make vs. buy decisions and technical requirements.
- Collaborate with Legal to ensure compliance with intellectual property and cybersecurity standards.
Requirements
- Over 7 years of strategic procurement experience, including at least 4 years in engineering services, R&D, or hardware sourcing.
- Expertise in outsourced engineering models and negotiation with Tier 1 service providers.
- Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex commercial contracts including MSAs, NREs, JDM/ODM agreements, and technical SOWs.
- Experience managing R&D hardware lifecycles and engaging with component manufacturers.
- Strong financial skills to present total cost of ownership analyses.
- Ability to manage multiple high-priority sourcing events in a fast-paced environment.
Pay Range and Compensation Package
- Salary range: $159,000—$196,000 USD, varying by location, experience, and skills.
- Eligibility for discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentives, and company benefits subject to requirements.
Benefits & Perks
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- 401(k)
Equal Opportunity Statement
Our client is an equal opportunity employer. They celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or national origin.Key skills/competency
- Procurement Strategy
- Engineering Services Sourcing
- R&D Hardware Procurement
- Vendor Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Intellectual Property
- Cybersecurity Standards
- Total Cost of Ownership
- Make vs. Buy Analysis
- Autonomous Driving Technology
Skills & topics
- Procurement
- Category Management
- Engineering Services
- Hardware Sourcing
- R&D
- Negotiation
- Contract Management
- Supply Chain
- Autonomous Driving
- Remote
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight strategic procurement, engineering services, and hardware sourcing experience.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Emphasize negotiation skills and understanding of complex contracts (MSAs, NREs, SOWs).
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience with outsourced engineering models and R&D hardware lifecycles.
- Showcase financial acumen: Prepare to present total cost of ownership analyses and make vs. buy recommendations.
Technical preparation
Master contract types (MSA, NRE, SOW).,Understand R&D hardware lifecycles.,Practice TCO analysis.,Prepare for make vs. buy scenarios.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex contract negotiation.,How do you balance cost and speed?,How do you advise leadership on sourcing?,How do you ensure IP and security compliance?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the salary range for the Engineering & Hardware Category Manager role at this company?
- The salary range for the Engineering & Hardware Category Manager position is $159,000 to $196,000 USD annually, with the final offer dependent on factors such as your location, experience, and specific skills.
- Does this Engineering & Hardware Category Manager role offer remote work?
- Yes, this Engineering & Hardware Category Manager role is advertised as remote, offering flexibility in your work location.
- What specific types of contracts will I negotiate as an Engineering & Hardware Category Manager?
- As an Engineering & Hardware Category Manager, you will be responsible for structuring and negotiating complex commercial contracts, including Master Service Agreements (MSAs), Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) agreements, Joint Design Manufacturer/Original Design Manufacturer (JDM/ODM) agreements, and technical Statements of Work (SOWs).
- What is the minimum experience required for the Engineering & Hardware Category Manager position?
- The role requires over 7 years of strategic procurement experience, with at least 4 years specifically in engineering services, R&D, or hardware sourcing.
- What are the key responsibilities of the Engineering & Hardware Category Manager?
- Key responsibilities include developing procurement strategies for engineering services and R&D hardware, managing outsourced engineering workforce contracts, leading negotiations for design firms, and advising leadership on technical requirements and sourcing decisions.
- Will I be working with R&D hardware in this role?
- Yes, a significant part of the role involves optimizing manufacturing partnerships for R&D components and managing R&D hardware lifecycles, ensuring competitive pricing and timely fulfillment.
- What kind of benefits are offered for the Engineering & Hardware Category Manager position?
- The company offers a compensation package that includes medical insurance, dental insurance, and a 401(k) plan, in addition to a competitive salary and potential bonus and equity incentives.