DescriptionJob SummaryThe Category Manager - Optics is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for critical direct material and technology for precision optics categories. This role is accountable for supplier performance, supplier portfolio optimization, supply risk mitigation, and compliant procurement execution across commercial and government programs. In partnership with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program teams, the Category Manager supports product roadmaps, qualification requirements, new product introduction (NPI), cost objectives, and continuity of supply.
Key Responsibilities - Develops and executes category and supplier strategies aligned with business priorities, product roadmaps, technology requirements, and manufacturing needs.
- Shapes the supplier portfolio across assigned categories through supplier segmentation, capability coverage, and sourcing strategy to support qualification plans and reduce single-source dependency where feasible.
- Drives supplier performance through scorecards, Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), and corrective actions to improve quality, delivery, responsiveness, and capacity alignment.
- Negotiates supplier agreements and commercial terms, including pricing, lead time, capacity, inventory strategies, technology partnerships, risk-sharing arrangements, and other provisions that support cost competitiveness and continuity of supply.
- Partners with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program teams on supplier selection, make/buy decisions, qualification activities, and sourcing strategies for new and sustaining products.
- Monitors market conditions, regulatory developments, and geopolitical risks to proactively identify supply constraints and protect continuity of supply for critical programs and production needs.
- Identifies and mitigates supplier concentration, capacity, and single-source risks through alternate sourcing, recovery planning, and continuity-of-supply actions, as appropriate.
- Ensures sourcing activities comply with applicable regulations, contractual requirements, and internal purchasing policies.
- Drives improvements in sourcing processes, tools, and analytics to increase visibility, strengthen execution, and support better business decisions.
- Serves as a trusted subject matter expert by providing guidance and support that strengthens sourcing discipline and cross-functional execution.
- Communicates sourcing strategies, risks, and recommendations clearly to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline; 4+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 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.
- Familiarity with government contracting, trade compliance, or regulated industry requirements, including FAR, DFARS, ITAR, or EAR, is preferred.
- Experience leading sourcing, supplier performance, or process improvement initiatives.
- Proficiency in ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and other sourcing or analytics tools.
- Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and deliver results in a cross-functional environment.
Preferred Experience - Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD), 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 Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), Defense Contract Audit Agency (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 (NPI), 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.
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting pay depends on qualifications:
- Category Manager: $92,500 - $105,000
- Sr Category Manager: $100,000 - $123,000 annually
Other Compensation and Benefits
- Target Cash Bonus of 5% of earned wages
- 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
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).
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