Equipment & Fixture Buyer
ABOUT LUMILENS
At Lumilens we are building the critical photonics infrastructure that powers tomorrow’s AI supercomputing. From chip-to-chip optical interconnects to scalable photonic engines, Lumilens is unlocking a new era of computing faster, cooler, and massively more efficient.
We’re a well-funded startup backed by Mayfield and led by veterans who’ve built and scaled some of the most transformative technologies in the industry. This isn’t incremental innovation, it’s a ground-floor opportunity to rethink the optical layer from the silicon up. You’ll work alongside a team of world-class engineers solving some of the hardest challenges in optics, systems, and scale. Every decision you make will directly influence how we build, source, and deliver the infrastructure of tomorrow.
If you're looking for mission, momentum, and the chance to make an outsized impact, jump on the rocket ship. We’re just getting started.
POSITION OVERVIEW
We are seeking an Equipment and Fixture Buyer to join our rapidly growing team. This role is critical in sourcing and procuring production equipment, fixtures, tooling, and related materials that support prototype, NPI, and manufacturing scale-up across our photonics and advanced hardware operations.
You will be responsible for managing end-to-end purchasing activities for capital equipment, manufacturing fixtures, tooling, and related support items, ensuring suppliers, pricing, and delivery plans align with engineering, operations, and manufacturing requirements. The ideal candidate will partner closely with hardware, mechanical, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to drive sourcing strategy, supplier selection, RFQs, purchase execution, commercial negotiations, lead-time management, and risk mitigation. This is a highly visible role with direct impact on build readiness, production continuity, cost, and supply resiliency.
What You'll Do
Own procurement and purchasing activities for manufacturing equipment, fixtures, tooling, and related support materials required for prototype, NPI, and production builds
Partner closely with Hardware, Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to align purchasing priorities with engineering schedules, build plans, and operational needs
Lead supplier identification, RFQ execution, quote analysis, and purchasing decisions for equipment and fixture requirements in partnership with cross-functional stakeholders
Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, commercial terms, and service support agreements to meet cost, quality, and timeline objectives
Create and manage purchase orders, track supplier commitments, and coordinate delivery timing to support build readiness and manufacturing execution
Develop strong supplier relationships, conduct business reviews, and drive accountability around quality, responsiveness, lead times, and capacity support
Monitor supply risk, long lead items, and supplier constraints, and proactively implement mitigation plans to protect prototype and production schedules
Maintain accurate purchasing data, supplier records, and procurement documentation to ensure visibility, reporting accuracy, and smooth cross-functional execution
Key Qualifications
5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain roles supporting manufacturing equipment, fixtures, tooling, or related technical categories
Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
Demonstrated experience managing RFQs, supplier negotiations, purchase orders, and commercial terms for equipment, fixture, or tooling purchases
Strong understanding of supplier management, lead-time planning, cost analysis, and risk mitigation within a manufacturing environment
Proficiency with ERP and purchasing systems, along with strong analytical skills in Excel or similar tools used for quotation, tracking, and spend analysis
Preferred Skills
Experience purchasing capital equipment, manufacturing fixtures, tooling, or custom mechanical assemblies in a fast-paced hardware or advanced manufacturing environment
Familiarity with prototype builds, NPI, engineering change activity, and production ramp requirements
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and statements of work to support supplier engagement and purchasing decisions
Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across technical and operational teams
Experience building supplier relationships, conducting supplier reviews, and driving accountability for quality, delivery, and cost performance
Background in photonics, optics, semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, or other complex technical industries is a plus
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a rapidly scaling environment
Additional Requirements
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate a computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
Must be physically able to commute to buildings and move through manufacturing and office environments as needed
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise may occur in lab or production areas
Why Join Us?
Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance
Professional development opportunities and certification support
Access to cutting-edge photonics and advanced manufacturing technologies
Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams solving complex challenges
Lumilens is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, identity, orientation, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.