NPI Buyer/Planner

Responsibilities

• NPI Material Planning
• Convert engineering build plans and prototype schedules into time-phased material requirements for EVT/DVT/PVT and pilot builds.
• Plan against incomplete and rapidly changing BOMs; run BOM scrubs with Engineering to close gaps on part numbers, revisions, quantities, and reference designators before they become shortages.
• Identify long-lead and single-source parts early and drive risk-buy or bridge-buy decisions with Global Supply Managers.
• Build and maintain the NPI shortage list; publish clear-to-build status and recovery dates for each build event.
• Plan for build-specific overages using historical program data including attrition, engineering consumption, test consumption, and reliability samples.
• Tactical Purchasing
• Own the RFQ-to-PO cycle for prototype and pilot material: request quotes, place POs, confirm acknowledgments, and track ETAs to dock.
• Expedite and de-expedite based on schedule movement; escalate supplier commit risk with clear impact statements.
• Manage buys against unreleased or non-standard parts, including drop-in samples, distributor spot buys, and broker sourcing when authorized.
• Reconcile pricing, MOQs, NRE, and tooling charges; flag cost drivers ahead of production quoting.
• Change and Configuration Management
• Own material disposition for NPI Program(s) ECOs and deviations: scrap, rework, use-as-is, or run-out.
• Maintain accurate item master for BOMs, CTB/planning trackers, and lead times as well as cost in defined tools for transition into ERP as parts mature from prototype to production status.
• Build Execution Support
• Partner with GSMs on consignment materials required for each build.
• Maintain inventory accuracy for NPI stock at quick turn suppliers, including reconciliation of Figure-consigned material.
• Transition to Production
• Hand off part-level history, supplier commitments, lead times, and planning parameters to the production planning team at ramp.
• Feed EAU forecasts and demand signals to Global Supply Management to support supplier capacity and long-term agreements.
• Process Improvement
• Identify recurring failure points in the NPI material flow and implement fixes to reporting, planning, and cross-functional handoffs.
• Improve the fidelity of build-readiness reporting so risks are mitigated early.

Requirements

• Education
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field or applicable industry experience for the role.
• Experience
• 3-5 years in buying, planning, or materials management, with at least 2 years supporting NPI or prototype builds.
• Background in complex electromechanical hardware - robotics, aerospace, medical devices, automotive, or consumer electronics.
• Direct experience buying against immature BOMs and managing engineering change in a live build.
• Technical Skills
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite) and PLM tools (Arena, Enovia, etc)
• Advanced Excel (XLOOKUP, pivot tables, shortage and coverage modeling); SQL or BI tooling a plus.
• Working fluency in reading BOMs; comfortable discussing tolerances, finishes, and component specs with engineers.
• Core Competencies
• High urgency and strong follow-through: you have the ability close loops without being asked twice.
• Comfort operating with incomplete information and changing priorities.
• Clear, direct communication with engineers and suppliers alike; able to translate a slipped ETA into schedule impact leadership can act on.
• Strong attention to detail on revisions, dates, and quantities - this is a role where a single missed line item stops a build.

Pay and benefits

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $120,000 to $180,000 per year.

The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.