NPI Buyer/Planner 2

Description

Mini-Circuits designs, manufactures and distributes integrated circuits, modules, and sub-systems for high-performance radio frequency (RF) and microwave applications.  With design, sales, and manufacturing locations in over 30 countries, Mini-Circuits’ products are used in a range of wired and wireless communications applications. Our products are also used in detection, measurement, and imaging applications, including military communication, guidance, and electronic countermeasure systems, commercial, scientific, military land, sea, and aircraft; automotive systems, medical systems, and industrial test equipment.  

Mini-Circuits sells its products to over 20,000 customers globally through our direct sales force, applications engineering staff, and sales representatives, as well as through our extensive website. 

Position Summary:

The NPI Buyer / Planner II independently owns multiple New Product Introduction (NPI) programs and is responsible for end-to-end procurement and material planning from prototype through production handoff for MMIC business unit. This role ensures material readiness, supplier accountability, cost control, and risk mitigation while driving cross-functional alignment across Engineering, Planning, Quality, and Business Units.

The NPI Buyer / Planner II operates with limited supervision, makes tactical NPI decisions, and mentors junior team members, serving as a key execution lead within the NPI supply chain organization.

Salary range: $92,000-115,000

Job Function:

NPI Ownership & Program Execution

• Independently own multiple MMIC NPI programs from prototype builds through production handoff.
• Serve as the primary supply chain point of contact for assigned NPI programs.

• Own end-to-end NPI procurement activities, including supplier selection support, purchase order execution, material planning, and critical material expediting.
• Develop and execute material supply plans by balancing demand forecasts, supplier capacity, inventory levels, lead times, and project schedules.
• Monitor inventory, material availability, and supply continuity while minimizing shortages, excess inventory, and obsolescence.
• Assess supplier readiness and manufacturing capability to support prototype builds, qualification, and production launch.
• Monitor supplier delivery performance and coordinate recovery plans to mitigate schedule risks.
• Develop and implement engineering storeroom(s) to better manage engineering parts / samples across multiple locations.

• Drive cost control through price validation, variance analysis, and sourcing strategy alignment.
• Identify material risks including shortages, long lead times, supplier constraints, and capacity limitations, and implement mitigation plans.
• Lead material phase-in/phase-out activities and evaluate supply chain impacts of engineering changes, component obsolescence, and design updates.
• Improve commonality and re-use of existing component library.
• Support supplier qualification, alternate source implementation, and sourcing transitions to improve supply continuity and reduce business risks.
• Lead supply chain activities related to component lifecycle changes, including EOL, NRND, engineering changes, alternate source implementation, and design updates.
• Develop and execute material phase-in and phase-out plans to minimize supply disruption and obsolete inventory.
• Evaluate the supply chain impact of engineering changes and coordinate implementation across Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, Planning, Manufacturing, and suppliers.
• Analyze Bills of Material (BOMs) to ensure material availability, identify supply risks, and support design changes.
• Ensure continuity of supply throughout component and product lifecycle transitions.
• Maintain data integrity across ERP and planning systems, including item setup, BOMs, MRP parameters, sourcing information, lead times, and planning master data.
• Analyze Bills of Material (BOMs) to ensure material availability and support engineering changes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance NPI planning processes, system efficiency, material visibility, and launch readiness.
• Promote material standardization and reusable supply chain solutions to improve scalability and reduce lifecycle cost.
• Lead cross-functional alignment with Engineering, Quality, Planning, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Business Units throughout the NPI lifecycle.
• Represent Supply Chain in NPI reviews and executive discussions by communicating material readiness, project status, risks, and mitigation plans.
• Exercise independent judgment in resolving day-to-day NPI supply chain issues and escalate strategic risks with recommended actions.
• Monitor key supply chain performance metrics and drive improvements in supplier performance, inventory health, launch readiness, and material availability.
• Mentor and support junior buyers/planners on NPI processes, systems, and best practices.
• Share knowledge, promote standard work, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the NPI Supply Chain organization. 
• Support manager-led initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

The duties, responsibilities and expectations described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the member, within the scope of the position.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in NPI, procurement, material planning, or supply chain management within a global manufacturing environment, preferably in the electronics or electro-mechanical industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple NPI programs and coordinating cross-functional activities from prototype through production launch.
• Strong knowledge of procurement, material planning, inventory management, supplier management, and supply chain risk mitigation.
• Experience with planning and purchasing electronic components, including semiconductors, PCBs, custom cable assemblies, connectors, enclosures, and other electronic commodities preferred.
• Ability to analyze Bills of Material (BOMs), engineering changes, and component lifecycle impacts to support material readiness and supply continuity.
• Working knowledge of component lifecycle management, including EOL, NRND, alternate sourcing, and engineering change implementation preferred.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications, with advanced Microsoft Excel skills for analysis, reporting, and data management.
• APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent) is preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to evaluate risks and recommend practical solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate effectively with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Planning, Purchasing, Suppliers, and Business Units.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while consistently meeting project milestones and business objectives.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to data accuracy and process discipline.
• Customer-focused mindset with a continuous improvement approach to processes, systems, and operational efficiency.
• Knowledge of wireless and RF products and terminology is a plus.
• Demonstrated adaptability, initiative, and the ability to perform effectively in a dynamic and evolving business environment.
• Occasional travel, some overnight, as required.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to operate a computer keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Cultural Focus

• Displays enthusiasm and Passion for their work
• Works to the standard of Uncompromising Quality by meeting or exceeding stated objectives and embracing continuous improvement
• Exercises sound Business Judgement, ensuring that efforts are on track with the Company’s goals
• Operates with the mindset of Customer Obsession – by meeting or exceeding expectations to both internal and external customers
• Takes Accountability by taking ownership and accepting responsibility for their conduct and contributions
• Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency and accomplishes tasks with Speed and attention to detail
• Cooperates, collaborates and contributes to shared goals with a strong sense of Teamwork
• Conducts themselves with Honesty & Integrity and treats all members with Trust & Respect

Additional Requirements/Skills

• Comply, understand, and support corporate safety initiatives to ensure a safe work environment
• Ability and willingness to abide by Company’s Code of Conduct
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive for extended periods of time
• Occasional travel, some overnight, as required

Disclaimer: The listed qualifications and requirements for each position are intended as guidelines.  Mini-Circuits reserves the right to hire outside of these guidelines at Management’s discretion.

Mini-Circuits is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, gender identity, gender dysphoria, pregnancy-related condition, and domestic violence victim status or protected class characteristic, or any other protected characteristic as established by federal or state law.