Buyer - New Product Introduction (Level I - Senior)

nLIGHT•Camas, WA

66d•$25 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made. Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR). Position Overview nLIGHT is seeking a New Products Introduction (NPI) Buyer. The NPI Buyer's primary responsibilities are to work with the Engineering Teams and Supply Chain Managers on ensuring costs, inventory, and supply assurance are aligned with the company goals for new products. This position will be responsible for electrical, mechanical, optical or equipment commodities from domestic and global sources. The NPI buyer role includes coordinating with program managers, engineering, purchasing team and quality to assure preferred and new suppliers are aligned to meet the schedule, cost and quality goals. This position requires the ability to develop a competitive environment within the supply base and to make sourcing decisions based on total cost of ownership considerations. This role is primarily onsite in Camas, with the option of one remote day per week after training.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in supply chain, manufacturing operations, business administration, engineering or operations management and at least 2 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Self-driven, analytical, results oriented, and motivated to work effectively without direct supervision.
Proficiency in Excel and experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., D365) is highly desired.
Ability to handle ambiguity; demonstrated flexibility; integrity; leading change. learning agility; strategic agility; data-driven decision making; and vision.
Ability to logically solve problems and to keep projects moving in an orderly and structured fashion to maintain schedule requirements by analyzing inputs from various sources.
Strong organization skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
Effective interpersonal and negotiation skills.
Ability to make decisions and solve practical problems with a variety of variables in situations where standardization may be limited.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with defense industry standards, ITAR compliance, and FAR/DFAR regulations is a plus.

Responsibilities

Prepare, analyze, and make sourcing selections consistent with commodity strategy and contract requirements.
Evaluate and maintain MRP for assigned items and ensure system validity and integrity are maintained.
Coordinate incoming material to meet demand, including issuing purchase orders, expediting, and managing reschedule messages to minimize inventory and maximize production flexibility.
Maintain communication with suppliers in order to monitor purchase order delivery, shipment tracking, short or late shipments.
Negotiate and mitigate price increases, expedite fees, and cancellation costs.
Support execution of commercial agreements to reach lowest total cost including terms to mitigate economic and currency fluctuations.
Participate in cross-functional teams chartered with improving supplier performance, executing corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement through the supply base.
Acts as a conduit between suppliers and nLIGHT personnel to resolve delivery, quality, and/or technical issues.
Work directly with the sales, planners, and production teams on material requirements.
Manage disposition of rejected, excess, and obsolete parts in accordance with company policy.
Coordinate resolution of invoice discrepancies.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Develop and present sourcing options and recommendations to internal customers.
Focus on timely achievement of these goals and objectives.
Improve internal and external customer satisfaction.
Comply with Supply Chain and Purchasing procedures.
Be able to work in a team environment and demonstrate nLIGHT Leadership Principles.

Benefits

Target Cash Bonus of 5% of earned wages, depending on level
Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
10 paid Holidays
Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Aflac Supplemental Insurance
Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
Tuition Assistance Program
Pet Insurance