Senior Buyer – Aerospace Metals & Outside Processing

We are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to lead the strategic sourcing and procurement of aerospace-grade metals, machined components, and outside processing services. This role is responsible for ensuring the timely availability of critical materials and services while supporting quality, cost, delivery, and regulatory requirements in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

• Source and procure aerospace raw materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, nickel alloys, forgings, castings, and other specialty metals.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that support production requirements, cost objectives, and material availability.
• Analyze market conditions, commodity trends, and supply risks to support purchasing decisions.

• Manage procurement activities for outside processing services, including heat treating, plating, anodizing, passivation, painting and coatings, non-destructive testing, chemical processing, and other specialized services.
• Ensure suppliers meet applicable quality, delivery, and certification requirements.
• Expedite critical materials and outside processing orders as needed to support customer delivery commitments.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and strategic partners.
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness.
• Identify and implement corrective actions or improvement opportunities when necessary.
• Evaluate and qualify new suppliers in accordance with established quality and procurement procedures.

• Negotiate pricing, contracts, long-term agreements, and supplier terms.
• Lead cost-reduction initiatives through strategic sourcing, supplier consolidation, and process improvements.
• Support inventory planning and purchasing strategies that balance cost, availability, and production requirements.

• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Production Control, Manufacturing, and other internal teams to resolve supply chain challenges.
• Review MRP requirements and issue purchase orders to support production schedules.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier information within ERP/MRP systems.

• Support compliance with applicable aerospace quality standards, customer requirements, and government regulations.
• Ensure purchasing activities align with requirements related to export controls, defense contracting, and aerospace manufacturing.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 5–10 years of purchasing or procurement experience in an aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience purchasing aerospace-grade metals and managing suppliers providing specialized outside processing services.
• Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes and supply chain requirements.
• Experience negotiating supplier contracts, pricing, and commercial agreements.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• APICS, CPSM, CPM, or other relevant procurement or supply chain certifications.
• Experience working in an AS9100-certified environment.
• Knowledge of NADCAP requirements and special process controls.
• Familiarity with ITAR and other export control requirements.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, military, or commercial aviation programs.