Associate Purchasing Specialist – XR Tech – Mountain View, CA

Associate Purchasing Specialist - XR Hardware - Mountain View, CA

Location: Hybrid - Mountain View, CA (1-2 days per week onsite)

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM PST

Training: Up to 3 weeks of required training

Start Date: 11/23

Experience: 3+ years

Job Summary

The Associate Purchasing Specialist supports the Hardware XR Team of a global leader in the technology field. This is a hybrid, client-facing role that works closely with the client’s Hardware Engineering Program Managers on material inventory and management, product schedules, purchase orders, configuration management, contract manufacturer (CM) communications, budget tracking, and asset inventory control. The role purchases the hardware components and parts used to build prototype XR devices, including smart glasses, smart wearables, and similar technologies, and supports manpower acquisition for the program.

Key Responsibilities

• Purchase hardware components and parts used to build prototype XR products, such as smart glasses, smart wearables, and similar technologies.
• Support manpower acquisition for the program.
• Oversee the end-to-end allocations process, including planning, communicating with relevant points of contact, following prioritization guidelines, monitoring delivery, and reviewing requests against budgets.
• Oversee the material drive and material multipliers, coordinate the material cost rollup, and issue Build POs.
• Coordinate the build matrix by working proactively with project stakeholders to understand requirements and plan material usage in build configurations.
• Create mitigation plans for material clear-to-build (CTB) issues while staying within budgeted config counts.
• Validate that invoices match purchase requests.
• Generate and document purchase orders across all workstreams.
• Manage material inventory, configuration management, and asset inventory control.
• Communicate with contract manufacturers and internal and external stakeholders on schedules, deliveries, and issues.
• Track budgets and report on spend against plan.
• Create and maintain process documentation and training materials.
• Continuously explore and drive process improvements to enhance efficiency and add value for the client.
• Maintain and respect confidentiality of client and product information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Solid experience in purchasing, supply management, or program support, preferably in engineering and/or AR/VR environments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with internal and external stakeholder management and communication.
• Ability to meet and exceed client requirements while working independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to negotiate effectively in line with business objectives.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet aggressive deadlines.
• Proficiency in relevant software, databases, and purchasing or inventory systems.
• Good understanding of and interest in AR and new technologies.
• Experience with Google tools and systems is a plus (not required).

Requirements

• High School Diploma with solid relevant experience
• Degree in Supply Management or a related field preferred
• 3+ years of related experience
• Experience in purchasing, inventory management, or program support
• Successful completion of background verification (BGV)

Compensation

The hourly rate for this position is between $ 28.00 - 32.00 per hour, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

Applications will be accepted until 11/20/2026

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The hourly rate, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Closing

If you are passionate about emerging technology and have the skills to keep a fast-moving hardware program on track, we would love to hear from you! Apply now to join our team and help build the next generation of XR products.