Position Summary:
Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, the Senior Buyer – Engineering & Services is responsible for executing purchasing activities across a range of commodities including raw materials, parts, and services in support of Engineering and Manufacturing operations. A key focus of this role is to lead sourcing strategies for hardware, electronics, and ordnance, and to manage service contracts with suppliers for testing and other outsourced processes.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
Essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to:
General Purchasing Duties
- Create and manage purchase orders across departments and commodity groups.
- Identify and qualify competitive sources of supply; conduct supplier site visits as necessary.
- Collect pricing and delivery data to support negotiations, including quality requirements and contractual terms.
- Oversee strategic supplier initiatives such as second-source qualification and cost-reduction efforts.
- Lead supplier negotiations related to pricing, lead times, and service terms.
- Ensure availability of qualified sources to support the master production schedule.
- Evaluates supplier proposals to determine best overall value.
- Maintain accurate data within the purchasing database.
- Ensure compliance with ISO/AS9100 processes and procedures.
- Participate in setting program-level purchasing priorities and resolving procurement challenges.
- Review purchase requisitions; solicit quotes, analyze bids, and recommend award decisions.
- Conduct supplier interviews and investigations; maintain sourcing databases and product specifications.
- Ensure timely receipt of materials and resolution of quality or delivery issues.
- Support process adherence and continuous improvement within the department.
- Mentor and train junior team members on purchasing procedures and best practices.
- Develop Small Business Plans for government contracts.
- Manage alternate supplier qualifications and ensure adherence to material qualification protocols.
Engineering & Services Support
- Collaborate with Engineering and Program Management teams to define technical requirements and procurement timelines.
- Lead sourcing strategies for hardware components including forgings, castings, machined parts, and welded assemblies.
- Manage procurement and oversight of testing and other outsourced services.
- Drive sourcing strategies for electronics and ordnance.
- Provide cost analysis and material input for bids and program proposals.
Other Responsibilities
- Performs other related duties as required or assigned.
- Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or equivalent practical experience; certification in purchasing or supply chain management preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of procurement experience, preferably in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
ERP system experience preferred.
Qualifications:
- Strong knowledge of material and service procurement processes.
- Strong judgment and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Effective communication skills—both written and verbal.
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and internal departments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- General understanding of mechanical and aeronautical engineering concepts.
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally across all levels of the organization.
- Familiarity with machining processes, electronics, and ordnance highly desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple RFQs simultaneously under tight deadlines.
Training Requirements:
On-the-job training: Six to twelve months including Syspro ERP system training
Travel Requirements:
Periodic travel may be required to support project functions such as supplier visits, product testing, and technical customer meetings.
ITAR Requirements:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Physical Demands: (*)
The position requires that the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop, and kneel. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Vision requirements include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment: (*)
This position will require a working environment mix comprised of office, shop floor, field and customer locations (both domestic and international). While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to static electricity; explosives in test conditions; fumes; airborne particles; outside weather conditions prevalent at the time and an air-conditioned and heated office. The noise level is normally moderate may be occasionally high.
*Note: Both the Physical Demand and Work Environment sections are required by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).
Pay Range: $85,000 – $110,000 annually
