Contract Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

At d-Matrix, we are focused on unleashing the potential of generative AI to power the transformation of technology. We are at the forefront of software and hardware innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Our culture is one of respect and collaboration.

We value humility and believe in direct communication. Our team is inclusive, and our differing perspectives allow for better solutions. We are seeking individuals passionate about tackling challenges and are driven by execution. Ready to come find your playground? Together, we can help shape the endless possibilities of AI.

d-Matrix is seeking a Senior Director, Indirect Procurement to own and scale our indirect and corporate procurement function. This individual-contributor role covers IP and software licensing, consulting and professional services, engineering lab equipment, and corporate services. Direct materials procurement is handled separately by Supply Chain; this role supports Operations tangentially but does not own component or wafer sourcing.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in contract negotiation, vendor management, and IP licensing within a semiconductor or AI hardware environment, and is comfortable building scalable procurement infrastructure in a high-growth startup.

• IP & Software Licensing: Negotiate and manage semiconductor IP core licenses (EDA tools, processor IP, embedded memory, security IP) with vendors such as Synopsys, Cadence, Ansys, and Arm. Administer software license agreements; track entitlements and renewals. Manage end-to-end IP negotiations including royalty structures, per-unit pricing, and MFN provisions. Support Legal and Engineering on FOSS compliance and IP onboarding diligence.

• Consulting & Professional Services: Source and contract engineering consulting firms, including offshore/nearshore providers under MSA/SOW structures. Negotiate and manage MSAs, SOWs, and amendments; benchmark rates and oversee milestone tracking. Manage temporary staffing contracts in coordination with HR and Legal.

• Engineering Lab & Hardware Equipment: Procure lab hardware for AI inference development (servers, GPUs, FPGAs, test cards, rack infrastructure) and test/measurement equipment from vendors such as Keysight and Tektronix. Manage capital equipment workflows including approvals, asset tagging, and depreciation in NetSuite. Coordinate with Engineering and Lab Operations to forecast needs against tape-out and bring-up schedules.

• Corporate & Facilities Services: Manage procurement for facilities, IT equipment, SaaS, insurance, travel, and other corporate overhead. Support lease-related vendor agreements (movers, contractors, FF&E) in coordination with Finance and Facilities.

• Develop and implement procurement strategies, policies, and governance frameworks across all indirect and corporate spend categories.

• Lead RFQ/RFP processes and competitive bidding; evaluate vendors on cost, quality, risk, and strategic fit.

• Negotiate and execute IP license agreements, MSAs, SOWs, and capital equipment contracts to secure favorable terms while managing legal and operational risk.

• Own the end-to-end procure-to-pay process via Zip and NetSuite; maintain supplier records, renewal dates, spend analytics, and performance scorecards.

• Drive year-over-year cost reduction through renegotiation, consolidation, and volume leverage.

• Collaborate with Engineering, Finance, Legal, HR, and Operations to align procurement timelines to project milestones and function as a proactive business partner.

• Ensure compliance with trade regulations, export controls, and ethical sourcing standards across all engagements.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field; MBA a plus. CPSM, CSCP, or CPIM valued.

• 7+ years of progressive procurement experience across at least two of: IP/software licensing, engineering services contracting, and hardware/capital equipment.

• Semiconductor, AI hardware, or high-tech electronics background required; familiarity with EDA toolchains and IP licensing structures is a strong differentiator.

• Demonstrated ability to negotiate complex commercial agreements — royalty structures, limitation-of-liability provisions — in partnership with legal counsel.

• Experience with international vendor relationships including cross-border contracting and import/export compliance.

• Hands-on with procurement and ERP tools; NetSuite and Zip experience highly preferred.

• Commercial Acumen: Track record of measurable cost savings and favorable terms across diverse vendor types.

• IP Fluency: Comfortable navigating royalty models, field-of-use restrictions, and exclusivity provisions with Legal and Engineering.

• Technical Curiosity: Engages substantively with engineering stakeholders; genuinely interested in the products being procured.

• Process Builder: Brings structure without over-engineering; adept at building from scratch in a lean, fast-moving environment.

• Cross-Functional Partner: Earns trust quickly; communicates clearly and follows through reliably.

• High Integrity: Maintains transparency and ethical standards across all vendor interactions and internal decisions.

d-Matrix is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and empowered to do their best work. We hire the best talent for our teams, regardless of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, or veteran status. Our focus is on hiring teammates with humble expertise, kindness, dedication and a willingness to embrace challenges and learn together every day.