Buyer

About the role

Job Location: Torrance, CA. Salary: $70,000–$85,000 per year (DOE). Stellant Systems is a premier manufacturer of critical power amplification products, specializing in microwave devices for ground‑based, airborne and satellite communications, industrial and medical equipment, and radar; the company is the only U.S. supplier of space‑qualified Traveling Wave Tube and Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers. The organization combines cutting‑edge technology with world‑class engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions for defense industry leaders, the U.S. and allied militaries, and medical communities.

Responsibilities

• Compile and analyze statistical data to determine feasibility of buying products and to establish price objectives.
• Approve and qualify vendors, obtain quotes, examine bids and make awards.
• Follow up on all awards through completion of order.
• Negotiate with suppliers and analyze suppliers’ operations to determine factors that affect prices and to determine lowest cost consistent with quality, reliability, and ability to meet required schedules.
• Review proposals, negotiate prices, select or recommend suppliers, analyze trends, and maintain necessary records.
• Prepare request for proposals (RFP) and bid packages.
• Negotiate and settle with suppliers regarding damage claims, rejections, losses, return of materials, over‑shipments, cancellations, and engineering changes, within signature authority.
• Obtain quotes, negotiate, and procure materials and services for the best value.
• Prepare required paperwork for Purchase Order package, shippers, RFPs/RFQs, supplier and interdepartmental correspondence, etc.
• Verify accuracy of all documentation such as supplier proposals to purchase orders, file documentation, invoices and receipts, and sign purchase orders.
• Interface with current and potential suppliers to determine best price and delivery for current requirements and remain abreast of economic and business situations relating to procurement activity.
• Maintain total ownership of supplier’s deliveries; actions may include obtaining prints, samples, delivery dates, corrective action, and resolution to discrepant materials; likely involve negotiating with supplier when supplier‑caused rework occurs.
• Process rejected materials back to supplier in a timely manner after receipt of dispositioned NMR.
• Develop new vendors and participate with Engineering in the evaluation and selection of alternate source of supply in accordance with internal policies and procedures.
• Report accurate and up‑to‑date information both in MRP and in production team meetings; strive to meet a performance metric of 100% current data in both MRP and shortage reporting per company procedures.
• Interface with Engineering and Planning regarding drawing discrepancies, B.O.M., and EO’s.
• Work with Program Managers on problems which affect meeting contract requirements.
• Make periodic visits to manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that procurement standards are being maintained.
• Conduct desk audits on a weekly basis to determine if desk “queue” meets company standards of placing requisitions, updating purchase orders, processing RTVs, invoice resolution, and tracking to completion to avoid delivery impact, and ensure suppliers are meeting current quality acceptance and on‑time delivery goals.
• Perform other assignments as identified by the Procurement Manager.

Qualifications

Associate, Procurement (Level 1): Bachelor's degree and 0‑2 years of related experience, or a Master's degree, or 3 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Strong communication skills, demonstrated teamwork orientation, strong organizational skills, Excel and other technical skills that help identify areas for supplier performance improvement, ability to work in a very fast‑paced environment.

Sr. Associate, Procurement (Level 2): Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of related experience, or a Master's degree, or 6 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Experience in military electronics, electrical material, machining, sheet metal, plastics, ceramics, raw material, consumables, make‑to‑print, and/or general purchasing as applicable to the assigned commodity. Experience with Government Documentation of Purchasing records. Strong communication skills, demonstrated teamwork orientation, strong organizational skills, experience interfacing with multiple departments, experience in negotiations, price/cost analysis, and development of new suppliers that meet Government requirements, advanced Excel and other technical skills that help identify areas for supplier performance improvement, experience leading strategic initiatives and activities related to supplier selection, product delivery specifications, and quality, ability to work in a very fast‑paced environment. Infor LN software is a plus.

Pay

Salary range: $70,000–$85,000 per year (DOE).