Sr. Category Manager - Precision Mechanical Components

Who We Are

nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is a leading developer of Directed Energy systems, a top modernization priority for the Department of Defense. Headquartered in Camas, Washington, our parent company nLIGHT is publicly listed (NASDAQ: LASR). Our Longmont, Colorado facility operates as a vertically integrated business, leveraging internal capabilities from semiconductor devices through target identification to deliver high-performance, cost-effective High Energy Laser (HEL), Adaptive Optical (AO), and Acquisition/Pointing/Tracking (APT) solutions.

We are committed to overcoming the most difficult challenges facing the deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. By investing continuously in capabilities, facilities, and technology, we bring leading-edge HEL solutions to the warfighter. This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of the HEL industry within a culture of excellence and a deep commitment to national defense.

About the Role

The Senior Category Manager serves as a strategic partner to Design Engineers and executive leadership, shaping the long-term sourcing direction for precision mechanical component categories including High Precision Machining, Bearings, Motors/Motor accessories, and Carbon Fiber. This role is critical in bridging the gap between engineering innovation and commercial reality.

In this position, you will actively support the design process from concept through production. You will jointly select and onboard suppliers with Design Engineers, creating active partnerships that align product design requirements with supplier capabilities, including capacity, financial stability, and technical roadmaps. You will take primary responsibility for all commercial and operational discussions with suppliers, negotiating complex, high-value agreements involving multi-year commitments, global capacity planning, and strategic collaboration.

Beyond transactional management, you will drive enterprise risk mitigation, supplier portfolio governance, and sourcing transformation initiatives. You will lead executive-level supplier performance reviews and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), ensuring strategic alignment with corporate growth and compliance requirements. Your work will directly influence make/buy decisions and the resilience of our supply chain against systemic risks.

Security Clearance & Application

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 clearance. Please review the requirements for obtaining a security clearance at the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) website before applying: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/.

Equal Opportunity Employer

nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please refer to the 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].