Job Details

Summary

The Sr. Buyer performs procurement duties related to the purchasing of services, supplies and equipment in accordance to policies and regulations. In this role, one reviews and analyzes purchase requisitions, paying particular attention to engineering drawings and specifications, as well as coordinates purchasing activities with manufacturing, planning and engineering departments to acquire inventory in a cost effective and timely manner. The Senior Buyer will process purchase requisitions, purchase change orders and requests for quotes to suppliers, with a focus on supporting custom engineering orders. Participates in maximizing the procurement teams' changes, part parameters; quote table maintenance, supplier database information, error report analysis, and part number/supplier code information. This position requires a strong understanding of technical drawings and the ability to interpret and action on detailed engineering documentation.

Position Responsibilities

• Works closely with engineering to understand and communicate specified requirements to suppliers, ensuring that detailed technical and engineering specifications are met.

• Analyzes and interprets engineering drawings and specifications to procure production parts specific to drawing requirements and custom components as required by internal demand signals.
• Monitors the cost, schedule and scope of assigned subcontracts to negotiate terms and pricing for increasingly larger, complex and difficult materials & services.
• Develops new supply sources where vendors and suppliers are no longer competitive.
• Manages and develops supplier relationships to reduce costs, improve & maintain quality, and ensure on-time delivery of purchased materials.
• Negotiates terms and pricing for increasingly larger, complex and difficult materials and services. Writes and completes RFQ/RFP package.
• Work with finance to resolve accounting discrepancies in a timely manner, work on procurement/material projects as assigned by the Supply Chain Manager.
• Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.
• Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel (Team Lead).
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or Accounting or APICS or ISM certification is required or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Certification for purchasing or supply chain professionals required.
• 8 – 12 years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience in various processes as it relates to assigned commodity, i.e. CNC, injection molding, etc.
• Has technical knowledge regarding manufacturing processes of an assigned commodity and demonstrates experience with purchasing practices and processes in manufacturing and engineering environments.
• Possesses understanding of commercial and FAR/DFAR Procurement rules, regulations and laws.
• Ability to negotiate terms and pricing for materials and services is critical.
• Proven understanding and intermediate usage of computerized MRP / ERP systems.
• Demonstrates effective problem‑solving, mathematical, time management, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel).

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills & Experience)

• Oracle experience strongly preferred.
• APICS or ISM certification preferred.
• Demonstrates ability to read and interpret technical drawings / specifications.

• Has effective problem‑solving, mathematical, time management, interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrates proficiency using MS Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Having wide‑ranging experience, uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.
• Highly organized and strong coordination skills to meet deadlines.
• Able to excel in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office environment (constant).
• Regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard.

The salary range for this role is:

$88,000 – $124,740

ITAR Requirement

The position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arm Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

U.S. Citizenship required.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit

We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.