R&D/NPI Electrical Buyer – Powering Prototype to Production

Mainspring Energy; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite at Menlo Park HQ

Stock options

Benefits

Job summary

Mainspring Energy in Menlo Park is seeking an R&D/NPI Buyer, Electrical to be the primary supply chain partner for Engineering. You’ll own end-to-end tactical purchasing for R&D and prototype builds, manage RFQs, PO placement, expedites, and onboarding of quick-turn suppliers.

You’ll support the transition to production, maintain ERP/MRP data, and collaborate with SCM Program Managers and Commodity Managers to align supplier terms for volume.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Business, Supply Chain, or Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of buyer/planner experience in hardware manufacturing, preferably supporting R&D or NPI.
• Hands-on ERP/MRP proficiency and ability to manage POs and data.

Responsibilities

• Main point of contact for Electrical Engineering, translating needs into sourcing actions with cost, lead-time, and availability clarity.
• Own end-to-end tactical purchasing for R&D/prototype builds — RFQs, PO placement, expedites, delivery follow-through
• Source and onboard quick-turn suppliers; negotiate pricing, NRE, and tooling for prototype quantities
• Resolve shortages, allocation, and EOL components with engineering and distributor channels
• Plan and stage material for builds, coordinating kitting and receiving with shop floor and Quality
• Support prototype-to-production transition: part qualification, FAI, capacity/lead-time confirmation
• Maintain ERP/MRP data and report costs, schedules, and supply risk to program teams

Skills

R&D procurement

Sourcing strategies

ERP/MRP proficiency

Plan & expediting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BA/BS in Business, Supply Chain, or Engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

PLM system

Job description

Mainspring Energy in Menlo Park is seeking an R&D/NPI Buyer, Electrical to be the primary supply chain partner for Engineering. You’ll own end-to-end tactical purchasing for R&D and prototype builds, manage RFQs, PO placement, expedites, and onboarding of quick-turn suppliers.

You’ll support the transition to production, maintain ERP/MRP data, and collaborate with SCM Program Managers and Commodity Managers to align supplier terms for volume.