Job DescriptionCOLSA is seeking a
Manufacturing Materials Buyer in
Huntsville, Alabama to help in the design and delivery of
cutting-edge uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) as we shape the future of drone flight for our Nation.
You'll play a critical role in sourcing materials, components, and building strategic supplier relationships that keep production moving and help ensure every aircraft is built to the highest standards of
quality, reliability, and performance.
Job Duties & Responsibilities- Manage end-to-end procurement of manufacturing materials and flight-critical components, from RFQs and supplier selection through purchase order issuance and delivery.
- Use Deltek Costpoint to process purchase requisitions, issue purchase orders, maintain procurement records, and track purchasing activities.
- Source manufacturing materials and flight-critical components, including avionics, electronic assemblies, sensors, composite materials, machined parts, hardware, fasteners, propulsion components, batteries, wiring harnesses, and related aerospace hardware.
- Evaluate supplier quotations, negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms, and recommend suppliers for inclusion on the approved vendor list.
- Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships while monitoring performance and resolving quality, delivery, and supply issues.
- Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers while maintaining the approved vendor list and developing alternate sources to strengthen the supply base and reduce supply chain risk.
- Partner with the Program Manager, Production Manager, Manufacturing Scheduler, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure purchased materials meet technical, schedule, quality, and cost requirements.
- Convert engineering bills of material (BOMs) into purchasing BOMs to support manufacturing operations, material traceability, and contract compliance.
- Apply knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and supplier flow-down requirements when supporting federal contract procurement.
- Identify opportunities to reduce material costs, improve supplier performance, and strengthen supply continuity without compromising quality or production schedules.
- May provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced procurement personnel.
Required ExperienceRequired Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Minimum of 8 years of sourcing, procurement, or purchasing experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing operations.
- Experience sourcing technical materials and components such as avionics, electronic assemblies, sensors, composite materials, machined parts, hardware, fasteners, propulsion components, batteries, wiring harnesses, and related aerospace hardware
- Experience using ERP and/or MRP systems
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and technical specifications
- Working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and ITAR/EAR requirements
- Knowledge of AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 quality management standards
- Proven negotiation skills and the ability to manage multiple supplier relationships
- Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail
- U.S. Citizenship required. Must be able to successfully complete a criminal background investigation prior to hire.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience supporting UAS or drone manufacturing operations
- Experience supporting manufacturing operations transitioning from from prototype or build-to-reorder production to higher-volume manufacturing
- Experience purchasing avionics, sensors, electronic assemblies, propulsion systems, composite materials, machined components, batteries, wiring harnesses, or other flight-critical aerospace hardware
- Experience using Deltek Costpoint
- Demonstrated success identifying cost reduction opportunities through strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and supply chain optimization.
Applicant selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
