Senior Purchasing Agent

About the role

The Senior Purchasing Agent is responsible for quoting and purchase order issuance and follow-up order management. The position will interface with Engineering, Production, and Business Development teams, and the vendor base to secure the best market price, highest quality product and on-time delivery for all corporate procurement. The Senior Purchasing Agent will report directly to the Supply Chain Manager. This position requires a full-time work week spent in the shop/office in Mooresville, NC.

Responsibilities

• Solicit and evaluate quotes for raw materials, machined parts, off-the-shelf components, MRO supplies, and tooling.
• Issue and follow up on purchase orders to ensure timely delivery and accurate fulfillment.
• Interpret technical drawings, specifications, and material requirements to accurately source from qualified suppliers.
• Communicate with vendors regarding lead times, pricing, technical clarifications, and order status.
• Ensure procurement activities align with production schedules, inventory levels, and customer delivery timelines.
• Support the Supply Chain Manager and Sales/Engineering teams in the preparation of cost estimates and pricing exercises for new business proposals and prototype projects.
• Research and identify potential suppliers for components included in bid packages.
• Assist in generating sourcing data and vendor quotes for inclusion in customer RFQs and internal costing exercises.
• Review material requirements planning (MRP) reports to plan and adjust purchasing activity in accordance with demand.
• Maintain organized records of all purchasing activity, including quotes, purchase orders, material certifications, and supplier communications.
• Support compliance with ITAR, AS9100, and customer-specific quality requirements.
• Assist in preparing reports and summaries related to open POs, delivery status, and inventory levels.
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with domestic and international suppliers.
• Travel – occasional out‑of‑the‑office time to visit a vendor office or production facility may be required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, Operations, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, or defense industry environment.
• Experience reading and understanding technical drawings.
• Knowledge of machining practices, materials and coating, industry workings, and fabrication shop procedures.
• ERP experience required; FAI experience and PPAP preferred.
• Motivated, organized, and responsible; ability to interact with all types of people under pressure.
• Excellent Microsoft Excel and Office skills.
• U.S. Citizenship required; candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance if required for the position.
• Physical requirements: prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; ability to lift 15 pounds at times; ability to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer match
• Dental Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Parental and Maternity Leave
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off – 120 hours per year to start (prorated in first year of employment)
• Continuing Education
• Annual Year End Paid Holiday Closure

Schedule

Normal hours are Monday through Thursday 7:00am‑4:30pm and Friday 7:00am‑12:00pm. Must be flexible to work additional hours as needed based on project requirements and deadlines.