Sr. Buyer

About the role

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services. Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge. The Sr. Buyer plays an important role in the government procurement process, sourcing high-quality materials, machine parts, and services essential to the organization’s operations. This position is responsible for establishing strong vendor relationships while collaborating closely with internal teams to identify needs, research options, and recommend purchases that meet specifications and deadlines. The Buyer’s expertise will ensure a smooth supply chain, contributing to the overall efficiency and success of the organization. This Position May Be On-site at our Grand Forks, North Dakota headquarters; remote within North Dakota or Minnesota (with up to 25% travel).

Responsibilities

• Select vendors based on vendor quality criteria, prices, specifications, and delivery dates.
• Execute purchasing process from solicitation of quotes to purchase order fulfillment.
• Accurately complete documentation such as purchase orders, RMA paperwork, etc.
• Communicate regularly with quality, manufacturing, and inventory control on material issues.
• Negotiate pricing, volume discounts and long-term contracts with selected vendors.
• Flow down contract requirements to vendor and ensure requirements are met.
• Maintain and establish new vendor relationships in various industries including mechanical parts, machine parts, electronics, and commodities.
• Initiate, lead, and implement process improvement activities for the department.
• Communicate effectively with vendors and internal teams to ensure quality, lead time, pricing, and contract requirements are met.
• Establish corrective actions with vendors as needed to drive improvement.
• Work with engineering, sales and production to problem solve during design and purchasing process including obsolete parts.
• Provide sales/quoting with material quotes for customer quotation efforts.
• Participate in process improvements to address changing government and industry regulations.
• Comply with ISO procedures and suggest and execute improvement changes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable FAR/DFARS clauses, flow-downs, sourcing restrictions, and documentation requirements.
• Maintain procurement files to DCMA/DCAA audit standards, including cost/price analysis and supporting justification.
• Evaluate suppliers for ITAR/EAR compliance, cybersecurity posture (e.g., NIST 800-171/CMMC), and counterfeit-mitigation requirements.
• Support program schedules by managing long-lead items, government property, and contract-driven material timelines.
• Participate in program reviews/IPTs to provide procurement status, risks, and compliance updates.
• Monitor and mitigate supply-chain risks related to country of origin, specialty metals, vendor reliability, and quality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Production, Supply Chain, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 5+ years’ experience in procurement type activities.
• 3+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Technical background or familiarity with machining, mechanical parts, or electronic components preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, if required by contract.
• Ability to travel (domestic and internationally) and obtain a passport.
• Due to federal contract requirements applicable to this position, candidates must be U.S. citizens.

Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and general computer applications.
• Strong blueprint reading skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Able to work independently.
• Highly organized, with strong time-management skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply government contract requirements, including regulatory flow-downs.
• Skilled in performing basic cost/price analysis and documenting price reasonableness.
• Strong understanding of supplier compliance risk, including cybersecurity, counterfeit control, and export compliance.
• Proficiency maintaining accurate, audit-ready procurement documentation.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, and voluntary benefits.
• 401K with company match.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Every other Friday off.
• Paid time off for vacation and personal time.

Pay

Salary Range: $75,000-125,000 annually. This salary range represents a good faith estimate of the base compensation for this position. Actual base compensation will be determined based on multiple factors, including location, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s qualifications, internal equity, experience, education, skills, and prevailing market conditions. In exceptional cases, compensation above this range may be considered based on experience, skills, or business needs. This position is eligible for a discretionary annual performance bonus based on individual and company performance. Overtime eligibility, if applicable, will be determined in accordance with federal and state law.