nLIGHT
Sr. Category Manager - Precision Optics
TLDR
Drive strategic leadership in sourcing for precision optics categories, enhancing supplier partnerships from concept to production while aligning with corporate growth objectives.
Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: 10+ years of progressive sourcing or category management experience, or equivalent related experience
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or related discipline
Compensation: $100,000-$150,000 based on experience
Who We Are
nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading developers of Directed Energy systems, which is a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense. Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing / Tracking (APT) solutions are designed to overcome the most difficult challenges facing the deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is a vertically integrated business that leverages internal capabilities – from semiconductor device through target identification – to develop systems that are both high-performance and cost-effective. We continue to invest in capabilities, facilities and technology to bring leading edge HEL solutions to the warfighter. This is a great opportunity to work at a company that is on the leading edge of the HEL industry and provides a culture of excellence and commitment to delivering solutions to the warfighter and our country.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Summary:
The Senior Category Manager provides strategic leadership across the following precision optics categories – optical coatings, large optics manufacturing and complex lens arrays. The Senior Category Manager shapes long-term sourcing direction, supplier portfolio governance, enterprise risk mitigation, and sourcing transformation initiatives aligned with corporate growth and compliance requirements. Senior Category Manager will work closely with, and actively support, the Design Engineers as the Design Engineer and Senior Category Manager jointly select, on-board and then work through creating active partnerships with suppliers - from concept through design to production deliveries. The Senior Category Manager will take primary responsibility for any/all commercial and operational discussions with suppliers.
All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Preference will be given to candidates with an existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Further information on requirements to obtain a security clearance is available at: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/. Please review this information before applying.
Responsibilities:
- Defines and executes global, long-term category and supplier portfolio strategies aligned with corporate growth plans and technology evolution.
- Develops comprehensive portfolio strategies that shape the organization's supplier base architecture across multiple categories, geographies, and technology platforms
- Leads executive-level supplier performance reviews and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) that influence strategic supplier relationships. Conduct high-level supplier governance sessions with executive participation, reviewing strategic alignment, performance against enterprise objectives, and long-term relationship trajectory.
- Negotiates supplier agreements ranging from single transaction to complex, high-value commercial agreements involving multi-year commitments, global capacity planning, and strategic collaboration. Structures sophisticated commercial arrangements that include volume commitments, pricing mechanisms, capacity reservations, technology partnerships, and risk-sharing frameworks.
- Influences make/buy decisions and supplier architecture strategy in partnership with engineering and operations leadership. Provides expert input on supply chain implications, supplier capability landscapes, cost structures, and risk considerations for strategic product and manufacturing decisions.
- Leads multi-category diversification and resilience initiatives to reduce systemic risk exposure. Designs and executes enterprise-wide initiatives that reduce concentration risk across suppliers, geographies, or technologies affecting multiple categories.
- Establishes standardized supplier governance frameworks, including scorecards, QBR structures, and compliance verification protocols.
- Drives sourcing process transformation and participates in digital enablement initiatives. Participate in organization-wide initiatives to modernize sourcing processes, implement advanced analytics capabilities, deploy digital procurement technologies, or restructure sourcing operating models.
- Develops structured contingency and risk mitigation plans for high-impact supplier dependencies. Creates comprehensive business continuity plans for critical supplier relationships that could significantly impact business operations if disrupted.
- Ensures comprehensive compliance governance aligned with FAR, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and other applicable regulations.
- Leads enterprise-wide process improvement and optimization initiatives that enhance sourcing efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen compliance controls.
- Serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on sourcing risk, cost roadmaps, and supplier innovation opportunities.
- Supports and facilitates the selection, on boarding and communication with suppliers throughout the design and sourcing efforts.
- Works hand in hand with engineering to create design requirements and then align product design requirements with suppliers’ capabilities – including capacity, financial stability and technical roadmap of suppliers.
Required Experience / Capability:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or related discipline; 10+ years of progressive sourcing or category management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated negotiation experience managing high-value agreements.
- Experience managing multiple complex or global category portfolios.
- Advanced financial modeling and cost strategy capability (preferred).
- Deep understanding of government contracting regulations and compliance frameworks,
- Hands on experience with FAR/DFAR compliance and enforcement
- Strong executive communication and presentation capability.
- Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced analytics tools.
- Demonstrated ability to build strong partnership with engineering teams
- Strongly preferred: Experience with sourcing and technical challenges for the following categories:
- Optical Coatings &/or
- Large Optics Manufacturing &/or
- Lens Arrays
Benefits Summary:
- 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
- 11 paid Holidays
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents
- Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer 100%
- Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].
Benefits
Education Stipend
Tuition Assistance Program
Equity Compensation
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Health Insurance
Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents
Other Benefit
Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting
Paid Parental Leave
Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer 100%
Paid Time Off
11 paid Holidays
nLIGHT is a premier provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers, catering to industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications. We specialize in cutting-edge laser technology and are also a leader in developing Directed Energy systems for the Department of Defense, delivering high-performance solutions in a rapidly growing market.
Senior Category Manager