Job Details

Sr. Buyer – AV

Join to apply for the Sr. Buyer role at AV. 2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants.

Job Description

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, and coordinates purchasing activities with manufacturing, planning and engineering departments to acquire inventory in a cost‑effective and timely manner. The Senior Buyer processes purchase requisitions, purchase change orders and requests for quotes to suppliers, with a focus on supporting custom engineering orders. Participates in maximizing the procurement team's 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.
• Works with finance to resolve accounting discrepancies in a timely manner and works 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, Accounting or APICS/ISM certification 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 related to assigned commodity (e.g., CNC, injection molding).
• Technical knowledge regarding manufacturing processes of an assigned commodity and experience with purchasing practices in manufacturing and engineering environments.
• Understanding of commercial and FAR/DFAR procurement rules, regulations and laws.
• Ability to negotiate terms and pricing for materials and services.
• Proven understanding and intermediate usage of computerized MRP/ERP systems.
• Effective problem‑solving, mathematical, time management, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel).

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills & Experience)

• Oracle experience strongly preferred.
• APICS or ISM certification preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings/specifications.
• Strong problem‑solving, mathematical, time management, interpersonal and communication skills; proficiency using MS Office Suite.
• Wide‑ranging experience and use of professional concepts to resolve complex issues creatively and effectively.
• Highly organized and strong coordination skills to meet deadlines.
• Ability to excel in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment with small teams.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• Committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of self, 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.

Salary Range

$88,000 - $124,740

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and/or EAR, or be approved for an export license. Any job offer that requires license approval will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it can obtain the license in a time frame consistent with business requirements. “U.S. person” includes U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

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

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer Dr. Paul MacCready, we've been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. We developed the world's most widely used military drones and the first submarine‑launched reconnaissance drone, and now have seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection in Washington, DC.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of UAS and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use our hand‑launched UAS to provide situational awareness through real‑time airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

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.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Purchasing and Supply Chain

Industries

Defense and Space Manufacturing