Buyer

About the role

The Buyer coordinates the procurement of machined and sheet metal parts, assemblies, and related services in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment where priorities and schedules frequently change. This role issues and manages purchase orders within the Syteline (Infor CSI) ERP system, ensuring alignment with engineering specifications, quality requirements, and program schedules.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all activities related to the procurement of assigned components from initial intent to purchase through final delivery.
• Analyze component requirements, including specifications, preferred suppliers, pricing considerations, and required delivery dates, to support production and program needs.
• Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation (RFQs) and evaluate supplier responses to select the most appropriate vendors.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery, and terms to achieve the lowest total cost while balancing quality and schedule requirements.
• Create, maintain, and revise purchase orders in the Syteline (Infor CSI) ERP system, ensuring accurate pricing, quantities, delivery dates, and contractual flow-down requirements.
• Review, open, and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, and related documentation to ensure purchasing actions meet technical, quality, and contractual requirements.
• Verify dimensions, tolerances, materials, finishes, and special process requirements prior to releasing purchase orders.
• Ensure all applicable engineering notes, revisions, flow-downs, and quality requirements are accurately communicated to suppliers on purchase orders.
• Partner with Engineering and Quality teams to resolve drawing discrepancies, clarify requirements, and support implementation of engineering changes.
• Maintain awareness of engineering change notices (ECNs) and update purchase orders and supplier communications in a timely and accurate manner.
• Monitor supplier performance to ensure on-time delivery, adherence to negotiated pricing, and compliance with quality standards.
• Maintain accurate and timely procurement documentation, including purchase orders, amendments, shipping notices, and related records.
• Collaborate closely with Planning and Scheduling to understand MRP/APS signals, shortage drivers, and required dates, expediting or rescheduling orders as needed to support the production build plan.
• Review and act on reports such as Late Purchase Order, Exception, and Shortage reports, updating purchase orders and supplier commitments accordingly.
• Support Accounts Payable by assisting with invoice discrepancies and facilitating timely resolution with suppliers.
• Manage supplier quality issues by following up on Supplier Deviation Requests (SDRs), coordinating nonconformance notifications, and securing lead times for rework or replacement parts.
• Contribute to a task-based Purchasing team environment by sharing workload, cross-covering commodities, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
• Respond quickly and effectively to changing demand signals and shifting priorities in a dynamic aerospace production environment.
• Demonstrate ownership and accountability by identifying issues, driving problem resolution, and ensuring closure of corrective actions with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 2–5+ years of experience in a purchasing or procurement role.
• At least 2 years of experience buying machined and sheet metal parts, or equivalent experience in a machining or fabrication environment relevant to the role.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and revisions for machined and sheet metal parts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience using ERP or MRP systems; hands-on experience with Syteline (Infor CSI) is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of planning and scheduling concepts such as MRP/APS, lead times, shortages, exceptions, and required dates.
• Ability to understand how purchasing actions impact the production build plan and to adjust quickly as priorities and demand signals change.
• Proven ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and manage multiple purchase orders and supplier commitments in a dynamic aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to coordinate and escalate effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders in Planning/Scheduling, Engineering, Quality, and Finance.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes, evaluate options, and drive timely corrective actions.
• Demonstrated ownership and accountability for identifying issues, driving problem resolution, and closing actions in a fast-paced aerospace environment.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, frequently changing production setting with complex technical and scheduling requirements.

Skills

• AA or AS degree is preferred.
• Experience using Syteline (Infor CSI) ERP system is preferred.
• Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) is preferred.
• Experience working with machined and sheet metal parts in an aerospace or similar high-precision manufacturing environment.
• Collaborative, task-based team mindset, with a willingness to share workload, cross-cover commodities, and reprioritize work to support changing schedules.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives within a purchasing or supply chain function.
• Comfort engaging with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Quality, Planning/Scheduling, and Finance, to resolve issues and support program goals.

Work Environment

The role is based in a collaborative aerospace manufacturing environment with a strong focus on cross-functional teamwork within the Supply Chain and Purchasing function. The Buyer works closely with Planning/Scheduling, Engineering, Quality, and Finance in a fast-paced setting where production priorities and schedules frequently change.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $36.00/hr.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a fully onsite position in Georgetown, TX.