Senior Program Manager

About the role

Graphcore is establishing a new AI Engineering Campus in Austin to support the development of cutting-edge semiconductors and data center hardware. We are seeking a highly organized and experienced Senior Program Manager to oversee the full lifecycle management of hardware assets, inventory, and logistics for our global research and development infrastructure. This role involves ensuring that all technical equipment, including custom AI accelerators and networking hardware, is accurately tracked, deployed, and maintained across our engineering sites. The successful candidate will coordinate with multiple teams to optimize asset management processes, ensure compliance with international shipping regulations, and support the operational readiness of our facilities. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing company at the forefront of AI hardware innovation, working on complex logistics and asset management challenges in a fast-paced environment.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Manage the entire hardware lifecycle, from procurement and receiving to deployment, transfers, and secure decommissioning, ensuring all assets are accurately tracked and documented throughout their lifecycle.
• Develop, implement, and maintain enterprise asset management and inventory control processes across multiple engineering laboratories and data centers to ensure high levels of accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, IT, Facilities, and Trade Compliance teams to coordinate operational readiness, material flow, and logistics activities.
• Lead inventory planning efforts, including cycle counts, reconciliation, and management of on-site spares, to maintain optimal inventory levels and high accuracy.
• Oversee domestic and international logistics operations, including shipping, receiving, and inter-site transfers, ensuring timely and cost-effective movement of hardware assets.
• Ensure all logistics activities comply with US Customs and Border Protection requirements, including proper HTS classifications, Incoterms, and export/import documentation.
• Act as the primary point of contact for freight forwarders, customs brokers, and carriers such as UPS, FedEx, DHL, and Expeditors, managing relationships and resolving issues related to shipments and customs clearance.
• Create, review, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) to promote operational consistency, compliance, and continuous improvement across logistics and asset management functions.
• Track and analyze performance metrics related to asset utilization, inventory accuracy, and logistics efficiency to support audits, reporting, and process optimization initiatives.
• Support the onboarding of new hardware assets, including configuration, labeling, and integration into asset management systems.
• Coordinate with IT and Facilities teams to ensure proper storage, handling, and security of sensitive or high-value equipment.
• Assist in planning for capacity and scaling logistics operations in line with company growth and project demands.
• Maintain documentation related to asset transfers, decommissioning, and disposal, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory standards.
• Stay informed about changes in international shipping regulations, customs requirements, and export controls relevant to hardware logistics.
• Provide training and guidance to team members and stakeholders on asset management policies and procedures.
• Support audit activities by providing accurate records, reports, and documentation related to hardware assets and logistics operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience managing hardware assets, logistics, or supply chain operations within a technology, engineering, or R&D environment.
• Proven track record of managing technical hardware assets in R&D labs, data centers, or AI/ML infrastructure settings.
• Hands-on experience with enterprise asset management platforms such as ServiceNow, Odoo, or NetBox.
• Strong understanding of warehouse operations, material flow, and international shipping regulations, including US import/export requirements.
• Knowledge of customs documentation, HTS classifications, Incoterms, and logistics coordination with carriers and freight forwarders.
• Ability to lead cross-functional programs, coordinate multiple stakeholders, and communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience working with global logistics providers and understanding of international shipping compliance.
• Familiarity with asset tracking, inventory reconciliation, and cycle counting processes.
• Ability to analyze data, generate reports, and support audit activities with accurate documentation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to resolving logistical issues.
• Knowledge of export controls, ITAR/EAR regulations, and chain-of-custody protocols is a plus.

Nice to have

• Experience working with AI/ML infrastructure, high-performance computing (HPC) environments, or large-scale engineering labs.
• Background in reverse logistics, return merchandise authorization (RMA) processes, and asset disposal.
• Familiarity with export controls, ITAR/EAR compliance, and related regulatory frameworks.
• Experience supporting global R&D or data center operations, including international shipping and customs clearance.
• Certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), Lean Six Sigma, or APICS/CSCP are advantageous.
• Knowledge of IT asset management best practices and standards.

Skills & tools

• Asset management systems such as ServiceNow, Odoo, or NetBox.
• Inventory control and material tracking techniques.
• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and documentation requirements.
• International logistics management, including Incoterms and HTS classifications.
• Supply chain operations, including procurement, shipping, and warehouse management.
• Data analysis and reporting tools to monitor asset utilization and logistics performance.
• Strong communication skills for coordinating with internal teams and external logistics providers.
• Problem-solving and process improvement methodologies.

Practical notes

Graphcore offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with a 401(k) retirement plan. Additional benefits include FSAs, HSAs, disability and life insurance, commuter benefits, and an Employee Assistance Programme. The company supports flexible working arrangements and provides reasonable adjustments during the interview process. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and supporting our employees' well-being and professional growth.

About the company

Graphcore has built a new type of processor for machine intelligence to accelerate machine learning and AI applications for a world of intelligent machines