Buyer III - Direct Materials

About the role

Join a market leader in satellite communications technology where your procurement expertise directly impacts products supporting commercial, government, and defense customers worldwide. We're seeking an experienced Buyer III – Direct Materials to manage strategic procurement of direct materials and engineered components used in the manufacture of advanced antenna systems and RF technologies.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement activities for direct materials supporting both NPI and production manufacturing.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that improve supplier performance, reduce total cost, and mitigate supply chain risk.
• Issue, manage, and expedite purchase orders for critical production materials and complex procurements.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, terms, and supplier agreements while building strong supplier partnerships.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Planning, Supplier Quality, and Program Management to resolve delivery, drawing, quality, and technical issues.
• Lead supplier corrective actions and monitor supplier performance to improve quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new domestic suppliers that strengthen the supply base and support business growth.
• Support proposal and new product introduction activities with sourcing solutions that meet technical, schedule, and cost objectives.
• Participate in supplier audits, business reviews, and on-site supplier visits.
• Monitor supplier capacity, market conditions, and supply chain risks while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and cost savings.
• Utilize ERP and MRP systems to effectively manage procurement activities and material flow.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related discipline preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
• 7+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience supporting manufacturing operations.
• Experience purchasing direct materials and engineered components in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience purchasing fabricated metal components, machined parts, precision assemblies, RF components, or engineered products is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success negotiating supplier pricing, contracts, lead times, and delivery commitments.
• Experience supporting both New Product Introduction (NPI) and production manufacturing.
• ERP system experience is required; JD Edwards (JDE) experience is preferred.
• MRP system experience preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications is preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships across internal teams and suppliers.

Preferred Industry Experience

• Experience in one or more of the following industries is highly desirable: Aerospace & Defense, Satellite Communications (SatCom), RF/Microwave, Telecommunications, Space Systems, Industrial Power Electronics, High-Tech Electronics Manufacturing.

Travel

Approximately 10% travel to domestic supplier locations and other company facilities.

Why Join Us

You'll become part of a collaborative supply chain organization supporting the manufacture of industry-leading antenna technologies used in some of the world's most demanding communications applications. This role offers broad cross-functional exposure, ownership of critical supplier relationships, and the opportunity to directly influence operational performance, product delivery, and customer success.

Pay

$73,000 - $93,000 / year

Schedule

N/A