Buyer​/Purchaser

Skyeton Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Buyer/Purchaser to support the procurement of materials, components, equipment, and services required to manufacture advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This role is responsible for ensuring the timely acquisition of quality products at competitive prices while supporting production schedules, inventory objectives, supplier performance, and compliance with aerospace and defense industry requirements.

The ideal candidate has experience purchasing electronic components, machined parts, composites, aerospace hardware, and production materials in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is comfortable working in a startup organization where flexibility, initiative, and continuous improvement are essential.

• Procure raw materials, electronic components, machined parts, tooling, hardware, and production supplies to support manufacturing operations.
• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders in accordance with company purchasing policies.
• Monitor supplier acknowledgments, delivery schedules, and open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery.
• Expedite critical materials to minimize production disruptions.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and delivery schedules.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers to improve cost, quality, and supply continuity.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, and Program Management to support production and new product introductions.
• Evaluate supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost.
• Resolve supplier issues including shortages, quality concerns, delivery delays, invoice discrepancies, and returned materials.
• Support inventory optimization by balancing material availability with inventory investment.
• Assist in developing sourcing strategies to reduce costs while maintaining product quality and supplier reliability.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier documentation.
• Ensure purchasing activities comply with company policies, customer requirements, and applicable government regulations.
• Support supplier audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in cost reduction projects and value engineering initiatives.
• Assist with import/export documentation and international sourcing activities when required.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field preferred. Equivalent purchasing experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of purchasing or procurement experience in manufacturing.
• Experience purchasing production materials in aerospace, aviation, defense, automotive, electronics, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Knowledge of purchasing processes, inventory management, supplier management, and production planning.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Aerospace or UAV/UAS manufacturing
• AS9100 quality systems
• Government contracting
• FAR/DFARS purchasing requirements
• ITAR and Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
• International sourcing and logistics
• Electronic components procurement
• Composite materials
• Aircraft hardware and fasteners
• Lean Manufacturing
• Cost analysis and strategic sourcing
• Rippling, SAP, Oracle, Epicor, Net Suite, or similar ERP systems
• APICS, ISM, CPSM, or CPM certification

• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting aggressive production schedules.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong business acumen and commercial judgment.
• Ability to analyze purchasing data and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Self-motivated with excellent follow-through.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional environment.
• Demonstrated integrity when handling confidential supplier and pricing information.
• Commitment to continuous…