Sr. Category Manager - Precision Mechanical Components

nLIGHT • Longmont, CO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is a leading developer of Directed Energy systems, a top modernization priority for the Department of Defense. Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing / Tracking (APT) solutions are designed to overcome significant challenges in deploying high energy laser solutions to the U.S. military and allies. As a vertically integrated business, we leverage internal capabilities from semiconductor devices to target identification, developing high-performance and cost-effective systems. We are continuously investing in capabilities, facilities, and technology to advance HEL solutions for the warfighter. This role offers an opportunity to work at the forefront of the HEL industry within a culture of excellence and commitment.

Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or related discipline
• 10+ years of progressive sourcing or category management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated negotiation experience managing high-value agreements.
• Experience managing multiple complex or global category portfolios.
• Deep understanding of government contracting regulations and compliance frameworks.
• Hands on experience with FAR/DFAR compliance and enforcement.
• Strong executive communication and presentation capability.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced analytics tools.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong partnership with engineering teams.
• All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced financial modeling and cost strategy capability
• Experience with sourcing and technical challenges for the following categories: High Precision Machining &/or Bearings &/or Motors/ Motor accessories &/or Carbon Fiber
• Existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance

Responsibilities

• Defines and executes global, long-term category and supplier portfolio strategies aligned with corporate growth plans and technology evolution.
• Develops comprehensive portfolio strategies that shape the organization's supplier base architecture across multiple categories, geographies, and technology platforms.
• Leads executive-level supplier performance reviews and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) that influence strategic supplier relationships. Conduct high-level supplier governance sessions with executive participation, reviewing strategic alignment, performance against enterprise objectives, and long-term relationship trajectory.
• Negotiates supplier agreements ranging from single transaction to complex, high-value commercial agreements involving multi-year commitments, global capacity planning, and strategic collaboration. Structures sophisticated commercial arrangements that include volume commitments, pricing mechanisms, capacity reservations, technology partnerships, and risk-sharing frameworks.
• Influences make/buy decisions and supplier architecture strategy in partnership with engineering and operations leadership. Provides expert input on supply chain implications, supplier capability landscapes, cost structures, and risk considerations for strategic product and manufacturing decisions.
• Leads multi-category diversification and resilience initiatives to reduce systemic risk exposure. Designs and executes enterprise-wide initiatives that reduce concentration risk across suppliers, geographies, or technologies affecting multiple categories.
• Establishes standardized supplier governance frameworks, including scorecards, QBR structures, and compliance verification protocols.
• Drives sourcing process transformation and participates in digital enablement initiatives. Participate in organization-wide initiatives to modernize sourcing processes, implement advanced analytics capabilities, deploy digital procurement technologies, or restructure sourcing operating models.
• Develops structured contingency and risk mitigation plans for high-impact supplier dependencies. Creates comprehensive business continuity plans for critical supplier relationships that could significantly impact business operations if disrupted.
• Ensures comprehensive compliance governance aligned with FAR, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and other applicable regulations.
• Leads enterprise-wide process improvement and optimization initiatives that enhance sourcing efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen compliance controls.
• Serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on sourcing risk, cost roadmaps, and supplier innovation opportunities.
• Supports and facilitates the selection, on boarding and communication with suppliers throughout the design and sourcing efforts.
• Works hand in hand with engineering to create design requirements and then align product design requirements with suppliers’ capabilities – including capacity, financial stability and technical roadmap of suppliers.

Benefits

• 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
• 11 paid Holidays
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents
• Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer 100%
• Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior