Senior Buyer – DoD High-Tech Sourcing Lead

nLIGHT; Longmont (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks paid time off per year

11 paid holidays

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Tuition Assistance Program

Health, Vision and Dental (employer) 》

Paid Family Leave

Short and Long Term Disability

Competitive 401k with company match

Job summary

nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. in Longmont, CO is seeking a Senior Buyer to support strategic sourcing, procurement, and materials management for high-tech categories.

The role coordinates with Category Managers, Engineering, and Program Managers to develop sourcing strategies and supplier development plans, while ensuring CPSR-compliant purchasing practices. You will manage supplier performance, execute requisition-to-pay processes, and provide KPI reporting, with a strong emphasis on DoD and

Qualifications

• 8+ years of purchasing/supply chain experience, with government contracting exposure.
• Strong analytical skills, including Excel for data analysis and decision support.
• Experience supporting DoD, aerospace, or government-funded programs.
• Familiarity with CPSR, DCMA, DCAA audits or similar regulatory reviews.
• Experience negotiating supplier terms and managing complex subcontracts.

Responsibilities

• Execute and monitor purchase orders and communicate with suppliers to track delivery, shipments, documentation, and payment issues.
• Manage complex government sub-contractor contracts and high-value purchase orders.
• Evaluate ERP data integrity and system validity; ensure accurate procurement records.
• Support price and cost analyses of subcontractor proposals and ensure regulatory alignment.
• Train and mentor junior buyers on ERP (D365), planning, and purchasing methodologies.
• Comply with all procurement policies and procedures; generate and present supplier KPIs.

Skills

8+ years experience

Advanced analytics

Government contracting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (Supply Chain / Ops / Mgmt)

Tools

D365

Procurement analytics tools

Job description

nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. in Longmont, CO is seeking a Senior Buyer to support strategic sourcing, procurement, and materials management for high-tech categories.

The role coordinates with Category Managers, Engineering, and Program Managers to develop sourcing strategies and supplier development plans, while ensuring CPSR-compliant purchasing practices. You will manage supplier performance, execute requisition-to-pay processes, and provide KPI reporting, with a strong emphasis on DoD and