Who We AreAt 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).Senior Buyer/PlannerThe Senior 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 Senior Buyer/Planner solves systemic planning, scheduling, and material issues; defines and governs planning standards; mentors and develops junior Buyer/Planners; and drives continuous improvement across planning, purchasing, and ERP disciplines. Success in this role is defined by sustained operational stability, strategic supplier performance, strong cross functional influence, and measurable improvement in planning maturity and resilience.Key Responsibilities
Optimize production flow by identifying bottlenecks, proposing load leveling strategies, and balancing capacity, material availability, and demand volatility
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for chronic shortages, Work Order failures, capacity constraints, and systemic execution issues
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on planning accuracy, lead time reduction, data integrity, and schedule stability
Support NPI item tracking and ensure planning and purchasing readiness for new product introductions
Train and mentor Associate Buyer/Planner and Buyer/Planner I/II team members on D365, Work Order discipline, and planning and purchasing methodologies
Participate in planning optimization initiatives and advanced D365 tooling to improve scalability and decision quality
Monitor supplier and subcontractor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations
Ensure 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 requirements
Support audits, customer engagements, and compliance driven planning and purchasing activities
Lead supplier and part qualification initiatives to support resiliency, scalability, and compliance
Lead supplier negotiations and cost reduction initiatives, balancing cost, quality, delivery, and risk
Own planning and purchasing standards, work instructions, and governance models, including Work Order policies, frozen fences, and BOM release rules
Partner with Engineering to govern BOM accuracy, release readiness, and configuration discipline
Partner with Operations and Engineering leadership to define and drive planning strategy
Lead planning and purchasing integration into S&OP, ensuring alignment across forecast, capacity, inventory, and material strategies
Own end to end production planning and purchasing for complex product lines, ensuring demand is translated into stable, executable, and compliant plans
Ensure consistent application of planning discipline across teams and programs
Own supplier related risk identification and mitigation strategies for assigned product lines
Serve 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
6+ years of experience in planning and purchasing, supply chain management, or manufacturing operations; prior Buyer/Planner or production leadership experience strongly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, engineering, or a related field preferred, or equivalent practical experience
Deep planning and purchasing expertise with the ability to anticipate downstream impacts of changes across the supply chain
Exceptional cross functional communication and influence skills
Advanced proficiency in ERP systems, including D365 (filters, exception management, analysis, and optimization)
Proven ability to manage dynamic build plans, rapid prioritization, and urgent escalations in a high stakes environment
Advanced analytical capability, including expert use of Excel for data analysis and decision support
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:Pay rate is based on qualifications
Sr Buyer/Planner: $90K - $115K
Other Compensation and Benefits
Target Cash Bonusof5% ofearnedwages
Eligible for Restricted StockUnit grants
4weeks of Paid Time Off per year
10paidHolidays
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
Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Aflac Supplemental Insurance
Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
Jury Duty and Bereavement Leave Pay
Tuition Assistance
Pet 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: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 orHR@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:
