Supply Chain Manager, Camera Lens

What to Expect

We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Senior Supply Chain Manager to lead the sourcing, strategy, and supplier relationships for advanced optical components essential to full self‑driving technologies. This individual will work closely with engineering teams, contract manufacturing partners, and external suppliers to ensure that camera lenses meet rigorous performance, reliability, and cost‑efficiency standards. Reporting to the Supply Chain Group Manager, you will be a key resource supporting various engineering groups within Tesla, ensuring seamless alignment with Tesla's autonomous driving goals.

In this fast‑paced, dynamic environment, you will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to implement sourcing strategies that guarantee optimal supply assurance, pricing, flexibility, quality, and delivery performance. You'll explore and industrialize new lens and optical technologies while building strong relationships with suppliers to meet Tesla's strategic objectives. This role offers the exciting opportunity to shape the future of autonomous driving technologies while advancing Tesla's mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.

This is an opportunity to push boundaries, solve complex problems, and make a lasting impact in an industry that's transforming the world.

• Lead the end‑to‑end sourcing and procurement process for camera lenses and optical components, managing RFQs, contract negotiations, NDAs, General Terms & Conditions, and Piece Price Agreements to ensure transparent and efficient business transactions
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers for high‑performance camera lenses and optical elements, building a reliable supply base to support the evolving needs of autonomous driving systems
• Drive strategic negotiations on piece pricing and product development with suppliers, aligning cost expectations, quality standards, and automotive‑grade performance requirements to deliver superior optical components for full self‑driving technologies
• Collaborate closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to define precise specifications for autonomous driving camera systems, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance of optical components
• Continuously conduct market research and stay updated on advancements in optical technologies, lens designs, and camera systems to identify cutting‑edge components that can enhance camera lens performance, reliability, and cost‑effectiveness
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies that align with Tesla's long‑term vision for autonomous driving, ensuring the right suppliers are in place to meet technological and production demands
• Spearhead cost reduction initiatives that balance cost efficiency with uncompromising quality and reliability, optimizing the supply chain for camera lenses and optical systems
• Proactively monitor supply chain risks, developing robust strategies and contingency plans to mitigate disruptions and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of mission‑critical camera elements
• Analyze current spending and supplier performance, identifying opportunities for consolidation, creating leverage, and exploring alternative sourcing strategies to maximize cost efficiency for camera optics

• 6+ years of experience in supply chain management or commodity management, with a focus on optical or camera components, preferably in sourcing camera optical systems, including lenses, lens raw materials, and optical coatings, for autonomous vehicles or related technologies
• Excellent negotiation skills with the ability to travel up to 25% of the time
• Analytical mindset with the ability to build Should‑Cost models and cost forecasts
• Strong understanding of optical design principles, lens manufacturing processes, and their integration into automotive systems
• Proficient knowledge of technical requirements and product design for camera lens systems, with the ability to influence cross‑functional partners through detailed analysis supporting optimized pricing and sourcing decisions

Along with competitive pay, as a full‑time Tesla employee, you are…