Director of Supply Chain and Operations

Job Title: Director of Supply Chain and Operations - Efabless chipIgnite

About Efabless:
Efabless is the worlds first platform for community-driven chip design and manufacturing. We empower engineers to design and produce custom chips at zero upfront cost, using our open-source design environment and a global network of manufacturing partners. Our mission is to democratize access to custom silicon and accelerate innovation in the electronics industry.

About ChipIgnite:
ChipIgnite is Efabless innovative program designed to lower the barrier of entry for creating custom silicon. It provides a streamlined path for turning ideas into physical silicon, offering free chip design, manufacturing, and packaging for select projects.

Job Summary:

We are searching for a strategic and driven Director of Supply Chain and Operations to lead and optimize the chipIgnite program. This pivotal role will oversee all aspects of the program's supply chain and operational execution, with a specific focus on managing relationships and processes within our unique ecosystem of semiconductor foundries, packaging providers, and PCBA assembly partners. This extends to overseeing the final delivery of finished products to our end customers. This role demands a deep understanding of the semiconductor industry, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for driving efficiency and scalability while ensuring a positive customer experience.

Responsibilities:

• End-to-End Supply Chain Management: Develop and implement a comprehensive supply chain strategy for chipIgnite, encompassing sourcing, procurement, manufacturing, and logistics across all stages: wafer fabrication (foundries), packaging, PCBA assembly, and final delivery to customers.
• Vendor Management: Cultivate and manage relationships with key vendors, including:

• Semiconductor Foundries: Negotiate competitive pricing, secure production slots, and manage wafer fabrication schedules.
• Packaging Providers: Source and manage partnerships with packaging companies, ensuring quality and timely delivery of packaged chips.
• PCBA Assembly Partners: Establish and oversee relationships with PCBA assembly vendors, ensuring efficient board assembly and testing processes.
• Logistics Providers: Collaborate with shipping and logistics companies to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of finished products to customers worldwide.

• Demand Planning & Forecasting: Analyze market trends and customer demand to forecast production needs across all stages of the supply chain, ensuring adequate capacity planning at foundries, packaging facilities, and PCBA assembly lines.
• Inventory Management: Optimize inventory levels of wafers, packaged chips, and components throughout the supply chain to minimize costs while ensuring timely fulfillment of customer orders.
• Logistics & Fulfillment: Oversee the efficient movement of goods throughout the entire chipIgnite process, from wafer fabrication at the foundry to final product delivery to the customer, coordinating logistics across multiple vendors and ensuring smooth customs clearance and import/export processes.
• Order Management: Implement and manage an efficient order management system to track customer orders, production progress, and delivery status, providing timely updates to customers.
• Process Optimization: Continuously analyze and improve operational workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate turnaround times across all stages of the supply chain, including order processing, production, and delivery.
• Quality Control: Implement rigorous quality control measures at each stage of the supply chain (foundry, packaging, PCBA) to ensure high-quality chip production and customer satisfaction.
• Technology Integration: Evaluate and implement new technologies and tools to optimize supply chain visibility, efficiency, and automation, with a focus on integrating systems across different vendors and providing real-time tracking information to customers.
• Team Leadership: Build and manage a high-performing team responsible for supply chain and operations, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented culture.
• Metrics & Reporting: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) across the supply chain and operations, providing regular reports on program performance and identifying areas for improvement.
• Community Engagement: Actively engage with the Efabless community, providing support and guidance to chipIgnite users on supply chain and operational matters.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7 years of experience in supply chain management and operations, with significant experience in the semiconductor industry, specifically working with foundries, packaging providers, and PCBA assembly.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing end-to-end supply chain strategies within a complex manufacturing environment, including managing logistics and delivery to end customers.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes, packaging technologies, and PCBA assembly techniques.
• Proven ability to manage complex operations and drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with demand planning, forecasting, inventory management, and order management systems.
• Familiarity with supply chain software and technology solutions, including logistics tracking and order management platforms.
• Passion for innovation and a commitment to Efabless' mission of democratizing technology.

Bonus Points:

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or a related field.
• APICS or other relevant supply chain certifications.
• Experience with open-source hardware and software.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

Benefits:

• Play a crucial role in revolutionizing the semiconductor industry.
• Work with a cutting-edge technology platform and contribute to the future of hardware.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.