End-to-End Production Buyer/Planner — Optimize & Deliver

nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc.; Hillsboro (AL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation & Sick Leave

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Stock Purchase Plan

Tuition Assistance

Life Insurance

Job summary

nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. seeks a Buyer/Planner to own end-to-end production planning and purchasing for complex product lines, ensuring demand is translated into stable, executable plans.

The role focuses on optimizing flow, reducing lead times, and driving cost improvements while adhering to FAR/DFARS and ITAR requirements. A Bachelor’s in a related field and 1+ year of experience are typical prerequisites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, manufacturing operations, business or related field with 1+ year experience.
• Knowledge of FAR/DFAR acquisition procedures is a plus.
• Strong analytical, proactive, and team-oriented in fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Optimize production flow by identifying bottlenecks and balancing capacity with demand volatility.
• Lead root cause analysis for shortages, WO failures, and capacity constraints.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning accuracy and lead times.
• Support NPI item tracking and readiness for new products.
• Mentor junior Buyers/Planners on D365, WO discipline, and procurement methods.
• Participate in planning optimization and advanced D365 tooling.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure regulatory compliance (FAR/DFARS/CAS).
• Support cost analysis of subcontractor proposals and compliance.
• Lead supplier qualification initiatives to improve resiliency and scalability.
• Own planning standards, work instructions, and BOM release rules.

Skills

Excel data analysis

ERP/MRP knowledge

D365 experience

Supply chain planning

Negotiation skills

Problem solving

ITAR awareness

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain/Engineering

Tools

D365

Microsoft Excel

Job description

nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. seeks a Buyer/Planner to own end-to-end production planning and purchasing for complex product lines, ensuring demand is translated into stable, executable plans.

The role focuses on optimizing flow, reducing lead times, and driving cost improvements while adhering to FAR/DFARS and ITAR requirements. A Bachelor’s in a related field and 1+ year of experience are typical prerequisites.