Category Sourcing Manager – Capital Equipment & IT (6-Month Contract)

Role Overview 

Astera Labs is seeking a Contract Sourcing Manager to support sourcing and procurement activities across capital equipment, IT hardware, and corporate services. This is a 6-month contract role designed to provide hands-on execution support during a period of rapid growth and infrastructure scaling. 

This role will focus on supplier sourcing, commercial negotiations, and procurement execution, working closely with engineering, IT, facilities, and operations teams. The ideal candidate brings 6+ years of diverse sourcing experience, with a strong emphasis on hardware, capital equipment, and technical environments. 

This role is highly execution-oriented and requires the ability to independently manage sourcing initiatives, drive timelines, and deliver cost-effective and scalable supplier solutions. High-performing individuals may be considered for full-time conversion based on business needs. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead sourcing and procurement activities across: 
• Capital equipment (lab, test, and infrastructure equipment)
• IT hardware and related services
• Select corporate services categories
• Execute end-to-end sourcing processes including supplier identification, RFQs/RFPs, cost analysis, negotiation, and award
• Partner with engineering and IT stakeholders to understand technical requirements and ensure supplier alignment
• Manage supplier relationships, including onboarding, performance tracking, and issue resolution
• Support purchase order execution, delivery tracking, and resolution of procurement-related issues
• Drive cost savings, value engineering, and cycle-time improvements across sourcing activities
• Ensure procurement compliance with internal policies, contracts, and systems (e.g., Coupa, Oracle, or similar)
• Collaborate with global procurement teams to align on preferred vendors, strategies, and contracts
• Provide insights into supply market dynamics, pricing trends, and sourcing risks 

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field
• 6+ years of sourcing, procurement, or supply chain experience
• Demonstrated experience sourcing hardware, capital equipment, or technical products/services
• Experience managing RFQs, negotiations, supplier selection, and contracting
• Strong operational execution skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with procurement systems (e.g., Coupa, Oracle, SAP, or similar) 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience supporting semiconductor, hardware, or data center environments
• Prior experience sourcing lab equipment, test equipment, or IT infrastructure
• Exposure to corporate services sourcing (e.g., facilities, logistics, professional services)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to quickly ramp and operate independently in a high-growth environment 

Why Join Us? 

• Opportunity to contribute to a high-growth company scaling AI infrastructure
• Hands-on role with direct impact on engineering and operational execution
• Exposure to strategic categories including capital equipment and IT hardware
• Potential pathway to a full-time role based on performance and business demand