Overview

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionWildlife Acoustics, Inc.Materials Requirements Planner (MRP) & Buyer LocationOn-site - Maynard, MassachusettsReports ToVP of OperationsEmployment Type Full-time DepartmentOperationsAbout the RoleWe're looking for a Materials Requirements Planner (MRP) to coordinate the link between engineering, contract manufacturing, and supply for our products. You'll build and maintain accurate bills of materials (BOMs), analyze production schedules for risk materials, and place and monitor the purchasing of safety stock that keep parts flowing - from early prototype builds through full-scale production. This new role carries real ownership from day one: you'll work directly with our engineering, quality and inventory control teams rather than a large, siloed procurement organization.Key ResponsibilitiesBill of Materials (BOM) ManagementCreate, maintain, and version BOMs system in coordination with the engineering team and contract manufacturers.Track engineering change orders (ECOs/ECNs) and update BOMs, costs, and open purchase orders as necessary.Maintain BOM accuracy across product phases (prototype, pilot/NPI, and production), flagging discrepancies before they cause shortages or scrap.Keep part numbering, approved manufacturer lists (AML/AVL), and item master data clean and current.Materials & Demand PlanningRun MRP against production schedules and coordinate with CMs to monitor for gaps and mitigate risk.Set and adjust order quantities, lead times, and safety stock levels by part and by program phase.Translate program timelines (prototype builds, pilot runs, production ramp) into phased material requirements.Monitor material inventory levels and open orders; proactively resolve shortages, excess, and at-risk components.Purchasing / BuyingIssue and manage purchase orders based on planning output, confirming pricing, lead time, and delivery dates.Negotiate lead times with suppliers; identify and qualify alternate sources for at-risk or single-source parts.Expedite orders as needed to protect build schedules and escalate supply risks early.Track supplier performance (on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness) and maintain vendor records.Cross-Functional CoordinationPartner with engineering to understand upcoming design changes and their material/supply impact.Work between operations and finance to align material plans with build schedules, cash flow, and inventory targets.Provide regular visibility into material availability, shortages, and risks to leadership and program stakeholders.QualificationsRequired3+ years of experience in structured BOM management, materials planning (MRP), and/or purchasing - ideally in a hardware, electronics, or manufacturing environment.Hands-on experience with an ERP/MRP system (e.g., NetSuite, Odoo, Fishbowl, or similar).Familiarity with engineering change processes (ECO/ECN) and how they flow through to BOMs and purchasing.Strong Excel/spreadsheet skills and comfort working with demand data, lead times, and inventory reports.Excellent organization and follow-through - able to track many parts, POs, and suppliers at once without losing accuracy.Comfortable in a small-company environment where you'll wear multiple hats and priorities can shift quickly.PreferredExperience supporting a product through multiple development phases (prototype pilot production ramp).Background in electro-mechanical or electronics manufacturing (PCBs, cable assemblies, injection-molded parts, etc.).APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM or CSCP) or equivalent supply chain training.Experience working directly with contract manufacturers (CMs) or EMS partners.What Success Looks LikeBOMs are accurate and current, with ECOs reflected in purchasing and submitted to our contract manufacturers within days, not weeks.Production is rarely blocked on parts - shortages are caught and resolved before they hit the build floor.Inventory is right-sized: enough buffer to protect schedules without tying up excess cash.Engin