Job Description
Join Meta's Reality Labs and help shape the future of immersive technologies. We are seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager (SSM) for see-through optical lenses to drive the development, sourcing, and delivery of next-generation optics for AR/VR/AI glasses. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about breakthrough hardware and building reliable, cost-effective supply chains.
As a Display & Optics SSM, you will develop strategic relationships and sourcing strategies for critical optical components—including (but not limited to) see-through lenses, high-precision optics, dimming technologies and microdisplays. You will lead commercial negotiations, cost modeling (BOM and conversion), and end-to-end supply chain management for these advanced technologies.
This role requires close collaboration with Optical Engineering, Systems teams, Program Management, Quality, and Supplier Development Engineers. Throughout the product lifecycle, you will ensure that suppliers are prepared to deliver modules and components on time, at specified quality, reliability, yield, and performance parameters, and are ready to support ramp-up quantities. Your primary objective is to ensure that suppliers meet both commercial and technical requirements for Meta's AR/VR/AI products.
Responsibilities
Develop commodity/category sourcing strategies for Micro-displays and Optics components, ensuring suppliers can meet current and future technical and business requirements for AR/VR/AI glasses
* Serve as a subject matter expert in microdisplay and optics module integration supply chains, including key manufacturing processes, capacity models, yield drivers, test coverage, and reliability requirements
* Benchmark industry trends in microdisplay and optics technologies (microdisplay architectures, lens and coating innovations, optical safety/regulatory requirements) and incorporate best practices into Reality Labs' supply chain
* Lead supplier selection criteria, evaluate alternative suppliers, manage RFQs, and drive final supplier selection in partnership with Engineering, Quality, and Technical Operations
* Drive end-to-end module commercial ownership, including BOM cost, conversion cost, labor/overhead, yield assumptions, tooling/NRE, and cost-down roadmaps
* Formulate contingency plans to de-risk technical challenges, long lead times, single-source dependencies, cost challenges, and supply issues (multi-site, alternate process flows, buffer strategies)
* Institute checks and balances to optimize schedule flexibility while minimizing excess inventory exposure (E&O risk management, hubbing strategy, VMI/consignment where applicable)
* Partner with CMs/ODMs/EMS and module integrators to resolve part shortages, quality issues, or yield excursions impacting production schedules; drive rapid containment and recovery plans
* Own ramp readiness including risk buys, capacity bring-up, line qualification, and supply assurance plans to support production plan and forecasts for designated suppliers
* Lead supplier development agreements to onboard new module integrators and key optical component suppliers; ensure qualification plans (FAI, GR&R, reliability) are agreed and executed
* Conduct a cost-benefit analysis for optical components to benchmark supplier pricing, identify cost drivers, and support negotiation strategies for optimal commercial outcomes
* Close Statements of Work (SOW) for new projects covering tooling, automation, EVT/DVT/PVT builds, characterization, reliability testing, and failure analysis support
* Influence supplier technology roadmaps and create internal disruptive value-add to ensure Meta's system architecture and commercial requirements are met (size, weight, power, performance, reliability, and cost)
* Establish and manage strategic supplier relationships at the executive level; lead QBRs, escalation paths, and long-term partnership planning
Qualifications
BS degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related discipline)
* 7+ years of experience in sourcing or related fields associated with microdisplay modules, optics components, consumer electronics modules, or adjacent electromechanical supply chains
* Strong experience in module integration management: supplier evaluation/selection, RFQ execution, cost modeling (BOM + conversion), contract negotiation, and supplier performance management
* Experience driving cross-functional execution with Engineering, Quality, Ops/Manufacturing, and Program Management across development builds and ramp
* Material management and CTB (Clear to Build) proficiency; ability to manage lead times, allocation risk, and build readiness
* Experience communicating with and influencing all levels of management Experience with high volume consumer electronics products and global manufacturing ecosystems
* Optical understanding is preferred (display and imaging fundamentals, key optical performance drivers), but not required
* Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
* Advanced engineering degree and/or MBA
* Experience sourcing and managing suppliers for microdisplay and optical components (High spectral density light/Illumination sources, combiners, polarizers, coatings, lens arrays, light engines) and/or module integrators
* 7+ years of sourcing experience managing global suppliers across module integrators and critical component ecosystems
* Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
* Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
