Buyer/Planner I or II

Who We Are 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 Summary The Buyer/Planner is the functional expert responsible for end-to-end production planning and purchasing for complex, high impact product lines. This role translates demand into executable, compliant, and stable production and material plans while owning delivery, cost, risk, and supplier outcomes. The Buyer/Planner solves systemic planning, scheduling, and material issues; defines and governs planning standards; and drives continuous improvement across planning, purchasing, and ERP disciplines. Responsibilities Optimize production flow by identifying bottlenecks, proposing load leveling strategies, and balancing capacity, material availability, and demand volatilityLead root cause analysis and corrective actions for chronic shortages, Work Order failures, capacity constraints, and systemic execution issuesDrive continuous improvement initiatives focused on planning accuracy, lead time reduction, data integrity, and schedule stabilitySupport NPI item tracking and ensure planning and purchasing readiness for new product introductionsTrain and mentor Associate Buyer/Planner and Buyer/Planner I/II team members on D365, Work Order discipline, and planning and purchasing methodologiesParticipate in planning optimization initiatives and advanced D365 tooling to improve scalability and decision qualityMonitor supplier and subcontractor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligationsEnsure compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations, DFARS, and Cost Accounting Standards (FAR, DFARS, CAS)Support price and cost analysis of subcontractor proposals, ensuring alignment with sector policies and regulatory requirementsSupport audits, customer engagements, and compliance driven planning and purchasing activitiesLead supplier and part qualification initiatives to support resiliency, scalability, and complianceLead supplier negotiations and cost reduction initiatives, balancing cost, quality, delivery, and riskOwn planning and purchasing standards, work instructions, and governance models, including Work Order policies, frozen fences, and BOM release rulesPartner with Engineering to govern BOM accuracy, release readiness, and configuration disciplinePartner with Operations and Engineering leadership to define and drive planning strategyLead planning and purchasing integration into S&OP, ensuring alignment across forecast, capacity, inventory, and material strategiesOwn end to end production planning and purchasing for complex product lines, ensuring demand is translated into stable, executable, and compliant plansEnsure consistent application of planning discipline across teams and programsOwn supplier related risk identification and mitigation strategies for assigned product linesServe as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex planning, material, and supplier issues.Influence cross functional decision making through clear, data driven communication and leadership presence Qualifications (depending On Level) Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, manufacturing operations, business administration, engineering or operations management and 1 or more years of experience in purchasing, buying, and/or supply chain management or equivalent combination of education and experience.Knowledge of FAR/ DFAR acquisition procedures and requirements is a plusWorks positively in a high-energy and fast-paced environment. Self-driven, analytical, results oriented, and motivated to work effectively without direct supervision.Communicates quickly and thoughtfully through integrated team structures.Strong interpersonal skills with a best-in-class customer service mindset.Expertise using software like Excel to perform data analysis.Ability to read technical drawings and documents. 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.Has a working knowledge of an ERP/MRP environment and Purchasing Best Practices.D365 experience is a plus.Familiarity with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) NLIGHT Is Proud To Offer Comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Pay rate is based on qualifications Buyer/Planner I - $26.16 to $34.00 per hourBuyer/Planner II - $29.30 to $39.60 per hour Other Compensation And Benefits Target Cash Bonus with potential payout of up to 2% of earned wages120 hours of paid Vacation per year, plus paid Sick Leave and 10 paid Holidays Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start dateMedical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay periodCompany paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D InsuranceEmployee Assistance ProgramAflac Supplemental InsuranceFlexible Spending and Health Savings AccountsEmployee Stock Purchase Plan401(k) with company match and immediate vestingJury Duty and Bereavement Leave PayTuition AssistancePet Insurance nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status). Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_eeoc_knowyourrights6.12screenrdr.pdf">Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or HR@nlight.net. E-Verify Participation nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For More Information, Please Review The Following Notices E-Verify Participation Poster Right to Work Poster