Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Strategic Sourcing Program Manager to support global sourcing initiatives across the Company's optical networking, semiconductor, PCBA, and telecommunications product lines.
This position will be responsible for leading sourcing programs from concept through production, supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), supplier qualification, second-source development, supply continuity, and strategic sourcing initiatives. The role will work closely with Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and global suppliers to ensure successful product launches, cost competitiveness, and supply chain readiness.
In addition, the role will support strategic supply management and material/equipment recovery or pull-in activities as needed, particularly for globally constrained or business-critical IC components and capital equipment shared across multiple manufacturing sites.
The ideal candidate possesses strong project management, supplier management, and cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced global manufacturing environment.
Job Duties
Strategic Sourcing & Program Management
• Support development and execution of sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives, supply continuity, and cost competitiveness
• Lead sourcing-related projects and coordinate activities across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams
• Manage project schedules, deliverables, risks, and stakeholder communications to ensure successful execution
• Lead or support special projects and strategic initiatives assigned by the Global Sourcing Director
NPI & Supplier Development
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) programs through supplier selection, qualification, and production readiness activities
• Drive second-source and multi-source qualification initiatives to strengthen supply chain resiliency
• Coordinate supplier onboarding, capability assessments, and qualification activities
Supplier & Commercial Management
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key suppliers and manufacturing partners
• Support RFQ processes, supplier negotiations, and contract implementation activities
• Monitor supplier performance and collaborate on continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with Engineering, Program Management, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to resolve sourcing and supply-related issues
• Support engineering changes, component transitions, and product lifecycle management activities
• Facilitate communication and alignment between internal stakeholders and suppliers
Market Intelligence & Risk Management
• Monitor supplier capacity, market trends, and supply chain risks
• Support risk mitigation planning, supply continuity efforts, and sourcing recommendations
• Provide regular project and sourcing updates to management
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field
• Minimum 8 years of experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain management, supplier development, program management, or procurement within a manufacturing or high-tech industry
• Proven experience supporting NPI programs and supplier qualification activities
• Experience managing global suppliers and cross-functional sourcing initiatives
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in SAP, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and ERP systems
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Must be bilingual in Chinese (Mandarin)
Location
This position will be on-site based in Sugar Land, Texas.
WHY AOI?
In addition to a competitive salary, AOI offers
- Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer employees the right options to meet individual and family needs
- Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
- Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at the end of the year
- Relocation package available within the US
- Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field
- Minimum 8 years of experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain management, supplier development, program management, or procurement within manufacturing or high-tech industries
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction programs and supplier qualification activities
- Experience managing global suppliers and cross-functional sourcing initiatives
- Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in SAP, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and ERP systems
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Bilingual proficiency in Chinese Mandarin
- Currently authorized to work in the United States
What We Do
Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. | NASDAQ: AAOI AOI is a leading designer and manufacturer of fiber optic networking products. We primarily serve three growing end-markets: cable television broadband, fiber-to-the-home, and internet data centers. We are vertically integrated with a product portfolio from laser chips, components, sub-assemblies and modules, to complete turn-key equipment. All three of our end-markets are driven by bandwidth demand fueled by the growth of network connected devices, such as video traffic, cloud computing and online social networking. To address this increased demand, CATV and telecommunications service providers are investing to improve their networks in competition to deliver voice, video, and data services to their subscribers. Rising bandwidth consumption is also driving demand for higher speed server connections in the internet data center market. As a result of these trends, fiber optic networking technology has become fundamental in all three of our target markets to meet these needs. Our vertical integration, broad product lines, and in-house design capability uniquely position AOI to serve these markets and offer us the flexibility to address tomorrow's fiber optic applications. To learn more about our company and products, we invite you to visit our website. Website www.ao-inc.com Facebook tinyurl.com/ycxcsbwx Instagram tinyurl.com/rqsbpk5 Twitter tinyurl.com/rd6dtvn
