Senior Buyer

As Senior Buyer, you will be a critical part of the supply chain team responsible for putting hardware in orbit. You’ll source and procure key materials, components, and services by converting purchase requisitions into competitive RFQs, through supplier selection and negotiation, to purchase order execution, delivery tracking, and invoice resolution. Every part you source has a job to do in space, which means your work has to be right the first time and with a sense of urgency. This is a high-visibility, high-accountability role for someone who thrives on urgency, takes ownership, and brings structure to fast-moving programs. If you have deep purchasing expertise from aerospace, defense, automotive, electronics, medical devices, or another complex manufacturing environment, we want to hear from you. Key Responsibilities - Execute day-to-day sourcing of direct and indirect materials, components, and services to meet production requirements on time and within budget. - Own the full procurement cycle: requirements definition, supplier identification, RFQ/RFP issuance, bid analysis, negotiation, PO release, delivery tracking, and invoice approval. - Evaluate and compare suppliers on price, quality, lead time, and delivery performance; maintain and update supplier scorecards. - Negotiate pricing, terms, and lead times with suppliers; drive cost savings and value-engineering opportunities without sacrificing quality or schedule. - Identify and develop strategic supplier agreements, including long-term agreements (LTAs), stocking arrangements, and blanket orders, to reduce risk and improve cost predictability. - Partner with Engineering and Quality teams to support new-component sourcing, engineering change orders (ECOs), and accurate bill-of-materials (BOM) alignment. - Monitor supplier performance, market trends, and supply chain risks; proactively develop mitigation plans for disruptions or capacity constraints. - Develop, document, and continuously improve purchasing SOPs and processes, champion best practices across the procurement function. - Maintain accurate and compliant records in the ERP/MRP system; ensure data integrity for open orders, lead times, pricing, and supplier information. - Support supplier onboarding, including capability assessments, compliance verification, and system setup. - Participate in cross-functional projects and special initiatives as needed to support business objectives. Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience in lieu of a degree. - 5+ years of progressive purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment. - Demonstrated experience managing the full procurement lifecycle, including RFQ/RFP, negotiation, PO management, and supplier performance. - Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, Epicor, NetSuite, Costpoint, or equivalent) for order management and data analysis. - Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis functions. - Strong negotiation skills with a track record of achieving cost savings and favorable commercial terms. - Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple open orders and competing priorities simultaneously. - Clear, professional communication skills, for stakeholder alignment and supplier relationship management. - Analytical mindset: able to interpret spend data, cost models, and supplier metrics to drive informed decisions. - Sense of urgency and accountability; proactive in identifying issues and driving them to resolution. - Able to thrive and be effective in an ambiguous environment. Preferred Qualifications - Experience in aerospace, defense, or space technology supply chains. - Familiarity with AS9100, ITAR/EAR, FAR/DFARS, or other regulated procurement environments. - Experience sourcing complex commodities such as electronics/avionics, structures/composites, propuls