NPI Buyer Planner

Pivotal Systems; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Pivotal Systems is seeking an NPI Buyer Planner in Fremont, California. This role is crucial for managing material planning and procurement for semiconductor gas flow control products, ensuring timely product launches through strategic planning and supplier coordination.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree along with over 35 years of experience in supply chain and semiconductor manufacturing. Proficiency in ERP systems and strong analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 35+ years of experience in Buyer/Planner roles.
• Experience in supply chain operations, semiconductor or electro-mechanical manufacturing.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and strong Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production and inventory schedules.
• Forecast material demand and create purchase orders.
• Coordinate with engineering and suppliers for prototype builds.
• Monitor supplier performance and analyze inventory levels.
• Drive continuous improvement in supply chain processes.

Skills

Material planning

Procurement and sourcing

Inventory management

Supplier management

Demand forecasting

ERP/MRP systems

Excel / data analysis

Problem solving under schedule pressure

Semiconductor manufacturing knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Epicor

NetSuite

Job description

NPI Buyer Planner

The NPI (New Product Introduction) Buyer Planner is responsible for managing material planning, procurement, and supplier coordination to support prototype, pilot, and production builds for semiconductor gas flow control products. The role combines strategic planning, purchasing, inventory management, and cross-functional coordination to ensure timely product launches and manufacturing continuity.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production, inventory, and project schedules for NPI and manufacturing activities.
• Forecast material demand based on engineering builds, customer demand, and sales projections.
• Create and manage purchase orders for mechanical, electrical, and semiconductor components.
• Coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and suppliers to support prototype and pilot builds.
• Monitor supplier performance, lead times, shortages, and delivery schedules.
• Analyze inventory levels to minimize excess stock and prevent shortages.
• Support sourcing activities, vendor negotiations, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Maintain accurate ERP/MRP data including BOMs, lead times, and inventory records.
• Drive continuous improvement in supply chain and planning processes.
• Track build readiness and communicate risks impacting production schedules.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field.
• 35+ years of experience in:
  • Buyer/Planner roles
  • Supply chain operations
  • Semiconductor or electro‑mechanical manufacturing
  • NPI / engineering build support
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or NetSuite.
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
• Ability to manage suppliers, shortages, and schedule changes in fast‑paced environments.
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in the following are especially valuable:

• Semiconductor equipment or gas delivery systems
• Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs)
• Vacuum or chamber hardware
• PCBAs, harnesses, sensors, and electromechanical assemblies
• Engineering change orders (ECOs)
• Prototype‑to‑production transitions
• Contract manufacturing (CM/JDM) coordination
• Cleanroom manufacturing environments

Typical Day‑to‑Day Activities

• Expedite long‑lead semiconductor components
• Review shortages and clear‑to‑build reports
• Coordinate prototype material readiness with engineering teams
• Work with suppliers on schedule recovery and delivery commitments
• Support engineering changes and revised BOM requirements
• Track inventory and production readiness in ERP systems
• Attend daily operations/NPI meetings

Important Skills

• Material planning
• Procurement and sourcing
• Inventory management
• Supplier management
• Demand forecasting
• ERP/MRP systems
• Excel / data analysis
• Problem solving under schedule pressure
• Semiconductor manufacturing knowledge