** Due to the classified nature of our work, U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must be willing to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance. Position Summary Pacific Defense is seeking an experienced **Senior Buyer** to support the procurement and strategic sourcing of materials, assemblies, and services used in advanced military electronics and aerospace hardware manufacturing. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience purchasing electronic components, printed wiring boards (PWBs), cable assemblies, machined/fabricated metal chassis, and complex electro-mechanical hardware within a high-mix, low-volume defense manufacturing environment. This role requires a highly capable procurement professional with strong negotiation skills, supplier management expertise, and a proven ability to drive cost reduction initiatives, establish long-term supplier agreements, improve lead times, and support aggressive production schedules for mission-critical defense programs. Requirements 10+ years of progressive purchasing and procurement experience within aerospace, defense, military electronics, or high-reliability manufacturing environments. Proven experience procuring: Electronic components Printed Wiring Boards (PWBs/PCBs) Cable and wire harness assemblies Metal chassis and fabricated assemblies Machined parts and fabricated hardware Electro-mechanical assemblies Strong understanding of defense and aerospace supply chain requirements, including long lead-time management, supplier risk mitigation, and quality compliance. Proven ability to execute strategic cost reduction initiatives and support should-cost analysis activities. Experience managing procurement activities for military hardware production programs and prototype/new product introduction (NPI) environments. Strong working knowledge of: MRP/ERP systems PLM systems such as Arena, Agile, or equivalent Procurement analytics and forecasting Strong understanding of supply chain impacts related to: Obsolescence management Allocation management Material shortages management Counterfeit avoidance Supplier performance management Excellent negotiation, communication, and supplier relationship management skills. Strong analytical skills with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and procurement reporting tools. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-mix, low-volume aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. Demonstrated success in negotiating: Supplier pricing Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) Blanket purchase orders Supplier capacity commitments Lead-time reductions Preferred Qualifications Experience in Sage X3 Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field. Experience supporting DoD programs and defense prime/subcontractor environments. Familiarity with: AS9100 quality systems FAR/DFARS requirements Government flow-down requirements ITAR/EAR compliance Experience supporting rapid production scale-up and manufacturing transition to production efforts. Responsibilities Lead procurement and supplier management activities across commodities. Develop and execute sourcing strategies to support production, engineering, and PMO requirements. Negotiate pricing, terms, delivery schedules, and Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) with suppliers to improve cost, quality, and delivery performance. Drive cost reduction initiatives through supplier negotiations, alternate sourcing, value engineering, and strategic sourcing activities. Manage long lead-time materials and proactively mitigate supply chain risks impacting production schedules. Coordinate with Planning, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management to support production schedules and material readiness. Support rapid response activities for material shortages, expedites, and supply disruptions. Issue and manage Requests for Quote (RFQs), and bid evaluations. Analyze supplier quotations, market conditions, and historical pricing trends to ensure competitive procurement decisions. Establish and maintain strong strategic supplier relationships to support long-term business objectives. Support inventory optimization initiatives while balancing production continuity and material availability. Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, quality requirements, and applicable defense industry regulations. Participate in supplier reviews, corrective action activities, and continuous improvement initiatives. Support prototype, NPI, and transition-to-production efforts for advanced military hardware programs. Supply Management / Contracts Responsibilities Demonstrated ability to review, interpret, and negotiate supplier proposals, contracts, and related commercial agreements. Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of optimizing terms and conditions related to price, schedule, compliance, risk, and quality. Deep understanding of contractual language, including key clauses such as indemnification, liability, warranty, termination, and intellectual property. Ability to drive competitive outcomes through strategic negotiation, supplier engagement, and data-driven decision making. Skilled at collaborating with legal, finance, engineering, and operational teams to ensure contracts meet organizational requirements and business objectives. Capable of managing supplier performance and identifying opportunities to improve cost efficiency, delivery timelines, and overall value. Adept at identifying contractual risks and implementing mitigation strategies that protect the company's commercial and operational interests. Benefits Pacific Defense provides competitive salaries and an immediately vested 401K match. We provide 100% coverage options for the employee and 75% coverage for dependents' medical, dental, vision, and life insurance premiums, and a flexible spending account for incidental health care expenses. We offer generous paid time off and federal holidays to spend time with family, pursue outside interests, or just get some extra rest.