Position Summary

The Senior NPI Planner and Buyer is a critical link between Engineering, Operations, and external suppliers. You will be responsible for managing the end-to-end supply chain requirements for new product launches, from initial prototyping through to mass production hand-off. The ideal candidate possesses a mix of technical procurement expertise, strategic sourcing, and rigorous project management skills to ensure seamless product transitions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement: Identify and vet suppliers for new components, negotiate pricing, and manage initial purchase orders for prototypes and pilot runs.


• BOM Management: Work closely with Engineering to manage preliminary Bills of Materials (BOMs), identifying long-lead items and high-risk components early in the design phase.


• Production Planning: Develop and execute material plans to support NPI schedules, ensuring 100% part availability for all build phases (Proto, EVT, DVT, PVT).


• Supplier Development: Lead Supplier Selection for new technologies or specialized components, ensuring vendors meet quality, capacity, and cost requirements.


• Cost Management: Drive "Design for Cost" initiatives by providing feedback to Engineering on component costs and suggesting alternative materials or manufacturing processes.


• Inventory Control: Manage "end-of-life" for legacy parts and the introduction of new revisions to minimize excess and obsolete (E&O) inventory.


• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead weekly NPI supply chain meetings, providing clear updates on material status, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.


• 5–8 years of experience in procurement or planning, with at least 3 years specifically focused on NPI in a manufacturing environment (Electronics, Aerospace, or Tech preferred).


• Expert-level proficiency in MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).


• Advanced Excel skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, Data Modeling).


• Experience with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software (e.g., Arena, Agile).

Additional Desired Qualifications

• APICS (CPIM/CSCP) or CPSM certification is highly desirable

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.


• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.


• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.


• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.


• Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.


• Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed


• Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.