Buyer

Position Location: Sterling, VA

About the role

At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using strong engineering principles to drive innovation and solve complex problems. We foster a culture of rigorous engineering and continuous improvement, leveraging the full knowledge of our organization through collaborative product development processes that include design and peer reviews. We combine our expertise in space electronics with right-sized development processes to create innovative, high-performance space-based electronic systems that meet our customers' evolving needs.

We are a mission partner supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil space customers. We develop complex, radiation effects mitigated, designs that balance competing requirements in modern space programs, delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to achieve more in space.

The Buyer is responsible for procuring electronic components, mechanical parts, outside services, and other assigned materials required to support production and program execution. This role converts material requirements into compliant purchasing actions, manages purchase orders through delivery, and works cross-functionally with Material Planning, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Program Management to meet cost, quality, and schedule commitments.

Responsibilities

• Procure electronic components, mechanical parts, outside services, and other assigned materials required to support production, engineering, and program needs.
• Create and manage purchase orders, requests for quote, and related documentation from requisition through closeout, including order acknowledgments, date changes, cancellations, returns, and discrepancy resolution.
• Review material requirements, shortage signals, supplier lead times, and delivery commitments in ERP or MRP and take action to support build schedules and program priorities.
• Expedite, de-expedite, and reschedule orders as needed to support production schedules, inventory objectives, and cash management goals.
• Obtain quotes, analyze pricing and lead times, negotiate within delegated authority, and recommend sourcing decisions that balance cost, quality, and delivery.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships and monitor on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness, and corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier data in ERP systems, including pricing, lead times, order status, promise dates, and other transactional data.
• Partner with Material Planning, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Program Management, and Finance to resolve shortages, nonconformances, supplier performance issues, and schedule changes.
• Support compliance with company procedures and applicable customer and regulatory requirements, including FAR or DFARS flow downs and quality system requirements, as applicable.
• Prepare and communicate open-order status, supplier risk, past-due exposure, and other procurement metrics to leadership and program teams.
• Manage multiple priorities, follow through on commitments, and work independently with limited supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Execute work in compliance with company procedures and contractual requirements.
• Support occasional travel or off-site work, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Finance, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2 years of purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing, aerospace and defense, electronics, or similarly regulated environment.
• Experience managing purchase orders, supplier communications, and order execution in an ERP or MRP environment.
• Working knowledge of material requirements planning, inventory drivers, lead-time management, and shortage resolution.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and the ability to analyze data, maintain accurate records, and communicate status clearly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience procuring electronic components, printed circuit board assemblies, machined parts, cable assemblies, or outside processing and services.
• Experience in government contracting and familiarity with FAR or DFARS, counterfeit parts controls, and AS9100D or ISO9001 quality environments.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Business Central, or comparable ERP systems.
• Experience supporting space, aerospace, defense, or low-volume, high-mix manufacturing operations.
• CPSM, APSM, CPIM, CSCP, or similar procurement or supply chain certification preferred.
• High sense of ownership, sound judgment, and a bias for timely escalation, follow-through, and cross-functional teamwork.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.

Pay

Full-Time Salary Range: $49,000 - $92,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, internal equity, business considerations, and geographic location where applicable.

Benefits

• Health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Basic life with AD&D
• Short term disability
• Long term disability
• Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
• Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)
• Paid time off
• Holidays
• 401(k) (including company match)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Leaves (Parental, maternity, and military)
• Annual discretionary bonus (for eligible roles)