Job Summary The Buyer is responsible for the strategic sourcing and procurement of materials, components, and services in support of aerospace and defense manufacturing programs. This role ensures that all purchases meet cost, quality, and schedule objectives while complying with company policies, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements (including ITAR, DFARS, and AS9100 standards). The Buyer acts as a key liaison between suppliers, engineering, quality, and program management to drive supplier performance, mitigate risk, and optimize total cost of ownership. Key Responsibilities Procurement Execution: Source, negotiate, and procure materials, components, and services in accordance with approved requisitions, engineering specifications, and contractual terms. Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and develop qualified suppliers to support company programs. Monitor supplier performance to ensure compliance with quality, delivery, and cost objectives. Negotiation & Cost Management: Lead commercial negotiations, establish long-term agreements, and achieve cost reduction targets through strategic sourcing and supplier consolidation. Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure all purchasing activity adheres to company policies, government regulations (FAR/DFARS, ITAR, EAR), and customer flow-down requirements. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with engineering, quality assurance, and production teams to resolve material or supplier issues and support new product introductions. Data & Systems Management: Utilize ERP/MRP systems to manage purchase orders, forecasts, and supplier schedules. Maintain accurate procurement data and track key performance metrics. Continuous Improvement: Recommend and implement process enhancements that improve supply chain efficiency, reduce lead times, and strengthen supplier relationships. Expediting & Follow-Up: Track open orders, manage changes to quantities, specifications, and schedules, and ensure timely delivery of critical materials. Documentation & Reporting: Maintain complete procurement documentation, including supplier certifications, compliance records, and contract files per AS9100 and internal audit standards. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience). Experience: Minimum of 4 years of progressive purchasing experience in an aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing environment. Knowledge: Understanding of FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and government contracting principles. Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, and supplier quality management systems. Strong understanding of MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor). Skills: Proven negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship skills. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities. Excellent verbal and written communication. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and digital procurement tools. Certifications (Preferred): CPSM, CPIM, or equivalent supply chain certification. Physical Requirements Ability to occasionally lift or move materials up to 25–30 lbs. Regular use of computer, keyboard, and standard office equipment. Ability to travel occasionally to suppliers or company sites as needed. All candidates must meet the US persons criteria. Please note: The salary range is based on our market pay structure. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience. Employee Benefits: At Valcor Engineering, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 30+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; long term disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program. Our leave programs include Vacation and PTO time off, paid holidays, as well as other types such as bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to these characteristics.