What are the responsibilities and job description for the Procurement Specialist position at Photon Kinetics?
Photon Kinetics is seeking a Procurement Specialist to help drive procurement excellence for our world-leading optical test equipment. In this role, you’ll own the purchasing process for assigned commodities—balancing quality, cost, and delivery to keep our operations running smoothly. You’ll collaborate across Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations to source materials and components that meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.
This position is ideal for a motivated, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a technical manufacturing environment and enjoys building strong supplier relationships.
- Execute material plans for assigned product lines—analyzing MRP output, purchase requisitions, and forecasts to ensure on-time material availability
- Source and order materials, components, and services in line with company strategy and production needs
- Manage supplier relationships to drive quality, cost reduction, and on-time delivery performance
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms to optimize total cost of ownership
- Maintain purchasing data in the ERP system (item master, lead times, safety stock, supplier codes, etc.)
- Resolve delivery, pricing, and quality issues with suppliers in coordination with Operations and Engineering
- Obtain and analyze supplier quotes for new parts and NPI builds following ISO-compliant supplier selection processes
- Drive improvements in material acquisition processes and contribute to cost-reduction initiatives
- Support Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) and prototype builds as needed
- Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment between purchasing, production, and planning
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field, or 3–5 years of experience in purchasing/material control (electronics or instrumentation industry preferred)
- Strong understanding of MRP systems and purchasing principles (pricing, lead time, supplier performance, quality, etc.)
- Proven track record managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and organizational skills
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (MAX, Epicor, or similar)
- Analytical mindset and commitment to continuous improvement
- CPM or APICS certification preferred
- Be part of a global leader whose equipment tests over 95% of the world’s optical fiber
- Work with an experienced, collaborative team that values precision, innovation, and integrity
- See your efforts directly contribute to enabling next-generation communication technologies worldwide
- Enjoy a culture built on quality, trust, and professional growth