Senior Buyer

D-Wave; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

D-Wave is seeking a Senior Buyer to join our Supply Chain team in New Haven. You will support R&D Engineering and Production to ensure materials are available for quantum computer development and production.

The role emphasizes sourcing strategy, supplier performance, and cross-functional collaboration to enable timely delivery and cost effectiveness. Responsibilities include end-to-end procurement, RFQ/RFP leadership, and cost-reduction initiatives, with close interaction with engineering and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in supply chain or related field.
• 5–8+ years procurement or strategic sourcing experience in high-tech/manufacturing environments.
• Experience independently managing suppliers and procurement activities.
• Experience sourcing technical components and capital equipment.
• ERP/MRP systems experience; NetSuite is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement activities for assigned commodities, components, equipment, and services.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies balancing cost, quality, lead time, and supply continuity.
• Lead RFQ/RFP activities, supplier evaluations, bid analysis, and negotiations.
• Monitor supplier performance and manage relationships with key suppliers.
• Support make/buy decisions and total-cost-of-ownership considerations.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Planning, and Quality to resolve supply chain issues.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Supplier negotiations

Cost reduction

BOM interpretation

Data analysis

Excel

Supplier management

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related discipline

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

About the role

D-Wave is seeking a Senior Buyer to join our Supply Chain team. In this role, you will support and collaborate with our R&D Engineering and Production teams to ensure they have the materials needed to build and improve our leading-edge quantum computers. You'll work with a passionate, innovative team developing technology that is transforming how complex problems are solved.

What you’ll do

• Strategic Procurement & Sourcing
• Manage end-to-end procurement activities for assigned commodities, components, equipment, and services
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, lead time, technical requirements, and supply continuity
• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and develop new suppliers, including building and expanding D-Wave's U.S. supplier network
• Lead RFQ/RFP activities, supplier evaluations, bid analysis, and commercial negotiations
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, minimum order quantities, delivery schedules, and other commercial terms
• Identify and execute cost-reduction and cost-avoidance opportunities while maintaining quality and supply continuity
• Support make/buy and sourcing decisions through market research, supplier analysis, and total-cost-of-ownership considerations

Supplier & Supply Risk Management

• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships and serve as a primary commercial point of contact for assigned suppliers
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness, and overall business performance
• Proactively identify supply risks, material shortages, capacity constraints, long-lead-time issues and develop appropriate mitigation plans
• Work with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve delivery, quality, pricing, and commercial issues
• Support supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop alternate and second-source strategies for critical components where appropriate

Engineering, NPI & Production Support

• Partner closely with Engineering and Production teams to support prototype builds, NPI activities, production requirements, and engineering changes
• Review BOMs, drawings, specifications, and material requirements to identify sourcing risks and procurement requirements
• Work proactively with Engineering to identify supplier capabilities, alternative materials, and sourcing options during the design and development process
• Support ECO/ECR implementation and ensure purchasing requirements are updated appropriately
• Respond to urgent production requirements and material shortages while balancing immediate needs with long-term supply strategy

Purchasing Execution & Operational Excellence

• Manage purchase orders from requisition through delivery, ensuring accurate pricing, quantities, delivery dates, and commercial terms
• Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier information within D-Wave's ERP system
• Monitor open purchase orders, supplier commitments, and material availability to support production and project schedules
• Collaborate with Planning, Inventory, Logistics, Receiving, Finance, and Quality to resolve supply chain issues
• Support inventory optimization and minimize excess, obsolete, and slow-moving material where possible
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, supplier management practices, reporting, and data quality

About You

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience
• 5-8 plus years of progressive procurement, purchasing, or strategic sourcing experience, preferably within high-tech, electronics, semiconductor, scientific instrumentation, or complex manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated experience independently managing suppliers and procurement activities
• Strong negotiation and commercial decision-making skills demonstrated success in supplier negotiations and cost reduction
• Experience sourcing technical components, mechanical/electrical assemblies, electronics, capital equipment, or specialized manufacturing services
• Strong understanding of supplier selection, qualification, performance management, and supply risk mitigation
• Experience supporting Engineering, NPI, prototype builds, and production environments
• Ability to interpret BOMs, technical specifications, drawings, and engineering requirements
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate pricing, supplier proposals, lead times, and total cost
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems; NetSuite experience is an asset
• Strong Microsoft Excel and data-analysis skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently, take ownership, and make sound procurement decisions with limited day-to-day supervision

A D-Waver's DNA

• We look at the future and say "why not"; we see possibilities where others see problems or routines. We show the way ahead and are committed to achieving ambitious goals.
• We practice straight talk and listen generously to each other with empathy. We value different opinions and points of views. We ensure that we connect outside as well as inside to learn from others and inspire each other.
• We hold ourselves accountable for delivering results. We make decisions & take responsibility so that we can act & support each other.
• As leaders we motivate & engage our teams to undertake beyond what they originally thought possible, by developing our teams & creating the conditions for people to grow and empower themselves through enabling & coaching.

Our Compensation Philosophy is Simple but Powerful:

We believe providing D-Wavers with company ownership, competitive pay, and a range of meaningful benefits is the start of creating a culture where people want to give the best they've got - not because they're simply making money, but because they've fallen in love with our vision, mission, values, and team.

During the interview process, your Recruiter will review our total rewards (base, equity, bonus, perks, benefit, culture) offerings. The final offer is determined by your proficiencies within this level.****

Inclusion:

We celebrate diverse perspectives to drive innovation in our pursuit. Our employees range from distinguished domain experts with decades of experience in their respective fields, to bright and motivated graduates eager to make their mark. Our diverse and innovative team will make you feel appreciated, supported and empower your career growth at D-Wave.

The Fine Print:

No 3rd party candidates will be accepted

It is D-Wave policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, local law.

The base pay range for this role is:

$89,000 - 134,00 USD(New Haven)