Optics Category Manager - Strategic Sourcing & DoD Programs

nLIGHT, Inc.; Camas (WA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential (5% of earned wages)

Restricted Stock Unit grants

4 weeks paid time off per year

10 paid holidays

Health benefits from start date

401(k) with company match

Job summary

nLIGHT, Inc. in Camas, WA, is seeking a Category Manager - Optics to lead direct material and technology sourcing for precision optics. You will manage supplier performance and continuity of supply across government programs, collaborating with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program teams.

The role involves developing category strategies, supplier portfolio management, and risk mitigation in a regulated environment, with emphasis on DoD and aerospace considerations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• 4+ years in category management, strategic sourcing, or supply chain.
• Experience developing category strategies and managing supplier relationships in manufacturing/tech/regulation.
• Negotiation of supplier agreements and commercial terms.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS/ITAR/EAR preferred.
• Experience leading sourcing or process improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Excel.
• Ability to influence stakeholders in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes category and supplier strategies aligned with priorities and manufacturing needs.
• Shapes the supplier portfolio to support qualifications and reduce single-source risk.
• Drives supplier performance via scorecards and QBRs; improves quality and delivery.
• Negotiates supplier agreements and terms including pricing, lead time, and capacity.
• Partners with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program teams on sourcing and qualification activities.
• Monitors market conditions and regulatory developments to protect supply continuity.
• Mitigates single-source risks through alternate sourcing and continuity plans.
• Ensures sourcing complies with regulations and internal policies.
• Drives improvements in sourcing processes and analytics; acts as SME.
• Communicates strategies and risks to leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Supplier relationships

Data analysis

Regulated environments

Government contracting knowledge

Education

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

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Sourcing analytics tools

Job description

nLIGHT, Inc. in Camas, WA, is seeking a Category Manager - Optics to lead direct material and technology sourcing for precision optics. You will manage supplier performance and continuity of supply across government programs, collaborating with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program teams.

The role involves developing category strategies, supplier portfolio management, and risk mitigation in a regulated environment, with emphasis on DoD and aerospace considerations.