Summary:Beaver Aerospace & Defense, a Héroux-Devtek company, is seeking a Buyer / Senior Buyer to source and purchase specialty metals, forgings, precision components, and outside processing for flight-critical aerospace and defense products. This role negotiates with suppliers, manages long-lead material in a low-volume, high-mix environment, and ensures every purchase meets AS9100, ITAR, and DFARS requirements. Level is based on experience. This job description indicates the general nature and level of the work expected and is not designed to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Other duties may be required.
Main Responsibilities:Sourcing & Supplier Management:- Source and purchase specialty steels and alloys, forgings, castings, precision machined components, bearings, electromechanical components, and outside processing (heat treat, plating, grinding, NDT)
- Lead RFQs and evaluate supplier quotes on price, capability, capacity, lead time, and quality; recommend awards
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) with key suppliers
- Manage supplier performance on on-time delivery, quality, and cost; drive corrective action on late or nonconforming material
- Identify supply risk on single-source and long-lead items and put mitigation plans in place
- Visit supplier sites as needed to build relationships and resolve issues
Aerospace & Defense Compliance:- Flow down customer, contract, and quality requirements to suppliers on every purchase order
- Ensure purchases meet DFARS specialty metals, ITAR, and counterfeit parts prevention requirements
- Partner with Quality on first article inspection (AS9102), source inspection, certifications of conformance, and NADCAP-approved special processes
- Purchase from the approved supplier list and support new supplier qualification
- Manage priority-rated (DPAS) orders in line with requirements
Material Planning & Production Support:- Act on MRP output to place purchase orders, manage releases, and expedite material to support production schedules
- Plan long-lead material ahead of demand to protect delivery commitments
- Maintain accurate planning data in ERP, including lead times, safety stock, and minimum order quantities
- Coordinate daily with production, manufacturing engineering, and quality to align material with the schedule
Reporting & Continuous Improvement:- Track and report cost savings, supplier scorecards, and open order status to leadership
- Maintain purchasing documentation to support AS9100, ITAR, and customer audit requirements
Our Ideal Candidate:Required:- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 3+ years of experience as a Buyer, Buyer/Planner, Purchasing Agent, or Contract Specialist in aerospace, defense, or government procurement
- Working knowledge of AS9100, ITAR, and DFARS requirements, including purchase order flowdowns
- Experience purchasing metals, machined components, or outside processing
- Experience managing long-lead material in a low-volume, high-mix environment
- Experience running RFQs and negotiating price and lead time with suppliers
- Working knowledge of SAP, Oracle, or comparable ERP/MRP systems
- Strong communication, negotiation, and follow-through skills
- Willingness to travel to supplier sites as required (estimated 10-20%)
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship
- Must meet ITAR eligibility requirements
- Ability to move through industrial or manufacturing areas and consistently observe established safety policies, including use of appropriate personal protective equipment
Is a Plus:- Senior Buyer level: 6+ years of experience, including negotiating Long-Term Agreements and managing a supplier spend portfolio of $10M or more
- Government procurement experience (DLA, DCMA, or contract specialist)
- Military supply, logistics, or contracting background
- Experience with first article inspection (AS9102) and NADCAP special processes
- Experience purchasing precision motion control, bearing, or actuation components
- APICS CPIM, CSCP, or ISM CPSM certification
Work Culture and EnvironmentAre you known as an innovation driver? Are you looking for your next challenge and opportunity to learn & excel in Aerospace? Héroux-Devtek offers you the opportunity to work in a diverse and team-oriented environment where skills development is a top priority. Here, employees are at the heart of the realization of the product, developed through engineering centers, factories, a service unit, and an accessible and agile head office for fast decision-making.
Be part of a motivating top-notch team taking Aerospace to new heights!
Candidates must meet security screening requirements as set out by ITAR directives.
