Strategic Hardware Partnerships

OpenAI

Head of Hardware Partnerships managing strategic hardware partner relationships for OpenAI. Driving alignment across product and engineering priorities for complex hardware ecosystems.

Posted 6/4/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $400,000 - $445,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cloud

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own strategic hardware partner relationships end-to-end. Be the primary point of contact internally and externally for OpenAI’s most important strategic hardware partners.
Define and drive joint strategy and roadmap alignment. Translate product and engineering priorities into partner roadmaps, milestones, and decision points (requirements, capacity, cost targets, reliability, and timelines).
Technical diligence and partner strategy. Evaluate build/buy/partner options, understand where advantages/risks sit, and provide clear recommendations grounded in technical and business analysis (silicon, connectivity, systems, device HW/SW stack, OS, etc.).
Structure and negotiate complex agreements. Lead negotiations across supply, capacity reservations, pricing/TCO, NRE/JDM/JDA structures, warranties/quality terms, IP/licensing, and launch/expansion/renewal mechanics.
Run operating rhythm and governance. Establish and lead QBRs, steering committees, and exec briefings. Unblock issues fast and hold both sides accountable to outcomes.
Measure and communicate impact. Own the KPI framework and reporting: secured capacity, cost reduction, on-time NPI, yield/quality, reliability, supply risk, and partner satisfaction; communicate progress crisply to leadership.
Build trusted, long-term relationships with partner executives; influence roadmaps, investment decisions, and capacity allocation.

Requirements

What you’ll need

12+ years of experience in hardware partnerships, supply chain, sourcing, or commercial leadership within semiconductors, systems, consumer electronics, cloud infrastructure, or adjacent ecosystems.
Proven track record owning strategic, multi-year partner portfolios and closing first-of-kind or industry-defining agreements.
Deep experience across CM / ODM / JDM models, silicon partnerships, capacity planning, cost modeling, and lifecycle execution.
Demonstrated ability to operate at the executive level, influencing product and engineering strategy, investment decisions, and partner roadmaps.
Exceptional cross-functional leadership across engineering, operations, finance, legal, and security in high-stakes environments.
High judgment, strong negotiation instincts, and comfort making irreversible decisions with incomplete information.
Thrives in fast-changing environments and brings clarity, structure, and momentum amid ambiguity.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit)
401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Paid parental leave (up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents), plus paid medical and caregiver leave (up to 8 weeks)
Paid time off: flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees
13+ paid company holidays, and multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year for focus and recharge, plus paid sick or safe time (1 hour per 30 hours worked, or more, as required by applicable state or local law)
Mental health and wellness support
Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
Annual learning and development stipend to fuel your professional growth
Daily meals in our offices, and meal delivery credits as eligible
Relocation support for eligible employees
Additional taxable fringe benefits, such as charitable donation matching and wellness stipends, may also be provided.

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Hard Skills & Tools

hardware partnershipssupply chain managementsourcingcommercial leadershipcapacity planningcost modelinglifecycle executionnegotiationtechnical analysisKPI framework

Soft Skills

cross-functional leadershipinfluencing strategyhigh judgmentstrong negotiation instinctsdecision makingclarity in ambiguityrelationship buildingcommunicationaccountabilityproblem-solving