Demo

Buyer - Production Operations

nLIGHT
Longmont, CO Full Time
POSTED ON 6/12/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/11/2026
Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: 1-5 years’ experience in Purchasing and/or Supply Chain. Experience in Research and Development with direct engineer coordination preferred.
Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Manufacturing Operations, Business Administration, Operations Management or equivalent experience. 
Compensation: $70,000-$105,000 depending 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 primary responsibilities of a Buyer within our Production Operations group are to support cross-functional team members through procurement and management of goods and services to meet internal and external customer demands. The Buyer role includes, but is not limited to: coordinating with engineering, facilities, and program managers to ensure orders are executed and on schedule and participating in all aspects of inventory management.

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:    
  • Execute and monitor purchase orders and maintain proactive communication with suppliers to monitor purchase order delivery, shipment tracking, short or late shipments, documentation, delivery, payment issues, or qualities issues.
  • Evaluate and maintain ERP for assigned items and ensure system validity and integrity.
  • Participate in cross-functional teams chartered with improving supplier performance across electrical, mechanical, optical and equipment commodities.
  • Act as a conduit between suppliers and nLIGHT personnel to resolve delivery, quality and/or technical issues as they arise.
  • Comply with Supply Chain, Accounting and Purchasing procedures.
  • Coordinate resolution of invoice discrepancies.
  • Identify and implement new part numbers and sourcing requirements
  • Generate, maintain, and present Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the supply chain organization.
Required Experience / Capability:     
  • Commitment to Excellence.  Attention to Detail.  Pride in Workmanship.    
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure and good working relationships under pressure. 
  • Effectively manage schedule and priorities with minimal daily direction to meet mid to long-term schedule objectives. 
  • 1-5 years’ experience in Purchasing and/or Supply Chain. Experience in a technical industry is preferred. 
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Manufacturing Operations, Business Administration, Operations Management or equivalent experience.  
  • A working knowledge of an ERP/MRP environment. AX experience is a plus 
  • Effective interpersonal and negotiation skills 
  • Ability to make decisions and solve practical problems with a variety of variables in situations where standardization may be limited. 
  • Experience in Microsoft 365 Suite of tools: Excel, PowerPoint, Dynamics, and Power BI 
  • Ability to interface at all levels. Excellent communication skills both written and oral. 
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 HR@nlightdefense.com 
 

Salary : $70,000 - $105,000

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