Senior Buyer (Machining)
About the Role
Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS), a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, is seeking a strategic Buyer to manage sourcing and procurement activities for a diverse range of commodities, including machined components, outside processes, forgings, castings, and other semi-finished products.
Responsibilities
- Manage sourcing and buying activities across a range of commodities including machined components, outside processes (e.g., heat treat, coatings), forgings, castings, and other semi-finished products.
- Interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications to align sourcing activities with suppliers possessing optimal capabilities, ensuring manufacturability, quality, and cost efficiency.
- Reconcile invoice and payment problems and drive root cause solutions.
- Identify and implement cost reduction activities and streamlining processes.
- Ensure continuity of supplies and services required to maintain continuous operation.
- Weigh appropriate risk factors when making buy/supply decisions.
- Maintain compliance within company standards and support internal compliance and audits.
- Implement corrective actions generated by audits.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (preferably in business administration, economics, supply chain, or engineering).
- 5+ years of experience in a buying and/or purchasing function.
- Ability to read and interpret shop floor routers, technical drawings, and blueprints.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing priorities.
- Excellent negotiation skills with a focus on cost reduction and demonstrated results.
- Ability to perform should costing and familiarity with standard cost/variable cost analysis.
- Experience with procuring low volume, high mix, engineered MTO mechanical parts.
- Solid understanding of common manufacturing processes and machines including mills, lathes, forgings, castings, heat treatment, coatings, etc.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and reduce inventory, mitigate single-source risk, extend pay terms, and achieve year-over-year cost reduction.
- Analytically oriented with strong problem-solving skills to deliver on objectives.
- Strong proficiency with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) and related computer skills.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role entails access to export-controlled items, and employment offers are conditioned upon lawful access to such items. Must be able to work on-site in Carson, California, and be comfortable with shop floor conditions.
Benefits
- Competitive wages.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
- Excellent 401k matching program.
- Paid holidays and vacation.
Pay
The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $120,000.
About Us
Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM) is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts, and forged wheels. With $8.3 billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world.
Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS), headquartered in Torrance, California, holds the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems and is the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Our high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aerospace engines, as well as in industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.