Senior Buyer - Optics

Job Title: Senior Buyer - Optics

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Direct

Industry: Defense & Aerospace

Compensation: $95k - $100k

Shift: 1st

Schedule: 9x80

Seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to lead sourcing, procurement, and supplier management for optics, optical assemblies, and precision components. The ideal candidate has strong negotiation skills, experience managing complex suppliers, and working knowledge of optical materials, coatings, lenses, mirrors, sensors, and related manufacturing processes.

• Execute procurement activities for high-value, technically complex components and assemblies, in accordance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and company policy.
• Analyze MRP/ERP demand and issue RFQs, RFPs, and POs to qualified suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier quotes for technical compliance, cost, and delivery; perform cost/price analysis and support fact-finding and negotiation efforts.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to support long-term strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Ensure supplier performance by actively managing delivery, quality, and responsiveness; initiate corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, program management, contracts, and legal to ensure alignment with program objectives and contract requirements.
• Support supplier risk assessments, mitigation strategies, and improvement plans.
• Assist in audits and compliance reviews related to purchasing activities and documentation.
• Lead or contribute to process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce cycle times.
• Ensure accurate and timely input of procurement data into ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Maintain records in accordance with internal procedures and government regulations.

• Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability
• Opportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industries
• People-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work
• Strong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates

This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritizes both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally.

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

• Bachelor's degree in business or procurement OR 5 years of DFAR/FAR purchasing experience in the Aerospace and Defense Industry
• 5+ Direct experience purchasing optical components, optical assemblies, or precision electro-optical hardware is required.
• 5+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain, 3 of which need to be in the aerospace and defense industry.

• Active U.S. Security Clearance (Secret or above).
• Strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and other U.S. Government procurement regulations.
• Experience working with MRP/ERP systems.
• Proven ability to negotiate, manage contracts, and resolve supplier performance issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Capable of integrating hardware and software and developing test plans and procedures
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), or equivalent certification.
• Familiari…