Sr. Category Manager - Mechanical

Who We Are

At nLIGHT, we are constantly extending the cutting-edge of laser technology in multiple dynamic and growing markets. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.

Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).

The Senior Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for critical direct material and technology for precision mechanical categories. This role is accountable for supplier performance, supplier portfolio optimization, supply risk mitigation, and compliant procurement execution across commercial and government programs. In partnership with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program teams, the Senior Category Manager supports product roadmaps, qualification requirements, new product introduction, cost objectives, and continuity of supply.

• Develops and executes category and supplier strategies aligned with business priorities, product roadmaps, technology requirements, and manufacturing needs.
• Shapes the supplier portfolio across assigned categories through supplier segmentation, capability coverage, and sourcing strategy to support qualification plans and reduce sole-source or single-source dependency where feasible.
• Drives supplier performance through scorecards, Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), and corrective actions to improve quality, delivery, responsiveness, and capacity alignment.
• Negotiates supplier agreements and commercial terms, including pricing, lead time, capacity, inventory strategies, technology partnerships, risk-sharing frameworks and other provisions that support cost competitiveness and continuity of supply.
• Partners with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program teams on supplier selection, make/buy decisions, qualification activities, and sourcing strategies for new and sustaining products.
• Monitors market conditions, regulatory developments, and geopolitical risks to proactively identify supply constraints and protect continuity for critical programs and production needs.
• Identifies and mitigates supplier concentration, capacity, and single-source risks through alternate sourcing, recovery planning, and continuity actions, as appropriate.
• Ensures sourcing activities comply with applicable regulations, contractual requirements, and internal purchasing policies.
• Drives improvements in sourcing processes, tools, and analytics to increase visibility, strengthen execution, and support better business decisions.
• Serves as a trusted subject matter expert by providing guidance and support that strengthens sourcing discipline and cross-functional execution.
• Communicates sourcing strategies, risks, and recommendations clearly to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline; typically 8+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience developing category strategies and managing supplier relationships in a manufacturing, technology, or regulated environment.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating supplier agreements and commercial terms.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Familiarity with government contracting, trade compliance, or regulated industry requirements, including FAR, DFARS, ITAR, or EAR, is preferred.
• Experience leading sourcing, supplier performance, or process improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and other sourcing or analytics tools.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and deliver results in a cross-functional environment.
• Strongly preferred:
  
  Experience with sourcing and technical challenges for the following categories:
  • CNC machined components
  • Tight-tolerance metal parts
  • Complex multi-axis machined parts
  • Precision…