Category/Commodity Manager - Optics

nLIGHT•Camas, WA

5d•$92,500 - $123,000

About The Position

The Category Manager – Optics develops and executes sourcing strategies for critical direct materials and technology in precision optics categories. The role is accountable for supplier performance, supplier portfolio optimization, supply-risk mitigation, and compliant procurement across commercial and government programs. In partnership with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program teams, the manager supports product roadmaps, qualification requirements, new product introduction, cost objectives, and continuity of supply. The role shapes supplier portfolios, negotiates commercial terms, monitors market and regulatory developments, and addresses supplier concentration and capacity risks. It also ensures compliant sourcing execution, improves sourcing processes and analytics, and advises stakeholders on sourcing discipline and cross-functional execution. The position requires the candidate to qualify as a US Person under US Export Control regulations. The posting lists starting pay of $92,500–$105,000 for Category Manager and $100,000–$123,000 annually for Sr Category Manager, with a target cash bonus of 5% of earned wages and eligibility for Restricted Stock Unit grants.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline; alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 4 years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or a related field.
Experience developing category strategies and managing supplier relationships in a manufacturing, technology, or regulated environment.
Demonstrated experience negotiating supplier agreements and commercial terms.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Experience leading sourcing, supplier performance, or process-improvement initiatives.
Proficiency in ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and other sourcing or analytics tools.
Ability to influence stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and deliver results in a cross-functional environment.
Must be a US Person (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status) to qualify under US Export Control regulations.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with government contracting, trade compliance, or regulated-industry requirements, including FAR, DFARS, ITAR, or EAR.
Experience supporting Department of Defense, aerospace, or other government-funded programs in regulated environments subject to FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, AS9100, or related requirements.
Experience with government procurement and subcontract compliance, including supplier flowdowns, source selection, sole-source justifications, price and cost analysis, procurement documentation, government or customer property, and CPSR, DCMA, DCAA, or customer audit activities.
Knowledge of counterfeit-parts prevention, supply-chain assurance, supplier risk management, and supply-chain resiliency practices.
Experience leading supplier qualification and development, new product introduction, make/buy decisions, strategic supplier selection, and negotiations involving long-term agreements, capacity reservations, or risk-sharing arrangements.
Experience sourcing and managing suppliers for precision, coated, reflective, or fiber optics; photonic components; optical assemblies; or beam-combining technologies, with familiarity in optical manufacturing processes, qualification requirements, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute category and supplier strategies aligned with business priorities, product roadmaps, technology requirements, and manufacturing needs.
Shape supplier portfolios through supplier segmentation, capability coverage, and sourcing strategies that support qualification plans and reduce single-source dependency where feasible.
Drive supplier performance using scorecards, Quarterly Business Reviews, and corrective actions to improve quality, delivery, responsiveness, and capacity alignment.
Negotiate supplier agreements and commercial terms, including pricing, lead time, capacity, inventory strategies, technology partnerships, risk-sharing arrangements, and other provisions supporting cost competitiveness and continuity of supply.
Partner with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program teams on supplier selection, make/buy decisions, qualification activities, and sourcing strategies for new and sustaining products.
Monitor market conditions, regulatory developments, and geopolitical risks to identify supply constraints and protect continuity of supply.
Identify and mitigate supplier concentration, capacity, and single-source risks through alternate sourcing, recovery planning, and continuity-of-supply actions, as appropriate.
Ensure sourcing activities comply with applicable regulations, contractual requirements, and internal purchasing policies.
Improve sourcing processes, tools, and analytics to increase visibility, strengthen execution, and support business decisions.
Provide subject-matter guidance that strengthens sourcing discipline and cross-functional execution.
Communicate sourcing strategies, risks, and recommendations to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

Benefits

Target cash bonus of 5% of earned wages.
Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants.
Four weeks of paid time off per year.
10 paid holidays.
Eligible for health benefits on the first day of the month after the start date.
Medical, dental, and vision benefits, including prescription and orthodontia, with employee-paid premiums as low as $40 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.