Senior Buyer

About this position

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

Senior Buyer

Under limited supervision, Senior Buyer sources, develops and maintains suppliers for materials, supplies, and other production‑related items. Negotiates pricing and terms favorable to project budget and achieves or exceeds target budget/cost without sacrificing quality or delivery. Works with Production, Programs and Engineering personnel to understand requirements and makes suggestions for viable alternatives when applicable. Monitors repeat buys and makes suggestions as to stock quantities or inventory levels.

Ensures compliance to SOX, CMMC, SPRS and internal approval matrices. May assist Estimating in sourcing and costing material/items for RFQ's. May oversee, train or mentor other Buyers or Purchasing personnel.

• Examines budgets, drawings and specifications to understand requirements prior to sourcing
• Meets or exceeds target price/cost without sacrificing quality or delivery
• Based on requirements, recommends the best supplier. Creates P.O's and ensures appropriate approvals are obtained prior to placing orders
• Negotiates blanket and annual contracts/service agreements. Reviews contracts to ensure they comply with LWOS's standard T&C guidelines. Negotiates contract terms for favorable to LWOS.
• Monitors approvals, delivery and supplier performance. Modifies P.O's, lead times or expedites orders as required and communicates changes to all affected parties
• Acts as a liaison between company departments and the supplier to resolve issues of production, quality or schedule
• Maintains strong relationships with key suppliers. Utilizes such relationships to leverage favorable terms
• Identifies multiple procurement sources where available and maintains information on alternate and/or preferred suppliers
• Identifies areas for cost savings based on competitive suppliers, materials market, etc. and negotiates with supplier for lower costs or better terms
• Discrepancies or difficulties in finding appropriate suppliers/pricing are promptly communicated and resolved
• Participates in Supplier Development/Qualification activities by sourcing, researching and evaluating new suppliers. Makes recommendations for including new suppliers based on their capabilities, quality, pricing and capacity
• Assists Estimating or Programs in securing pricing and quotes for RFG or bid proposal activities
• Provides data for analytics, metrics or reporting
• Examines analytics or trends to help determine best stock levels on routine buys or for Kanban activity. Makes suggestions for improvement when appropriate
• Makes suggestions for alternative products where appropriate to improve cost, quality or delivery times
• Stays informed of the current markets and trends for commonly used materials or parts. Investigates and reports on trends or new suppliers which may potentially impact the company
• May lead or train other Buyers or Purchasing personnel

• Minimum 5 years of related experience in a professional role with APICS certification
• Bachelor’s degree in operation management or related discipline.
• Courses in Procurement/Logistics/Operations or APICS certificated required. Years of experience may be substituted for coursework/certification.

• Powerful communication, organization, and attention to detail skillset
• Ability to multitask on various projects with time sensitive objectives
• Experience creating and maintaining procedures, work instructions
• Good analytical and problem‑solving skills, with familiarity using analytical tools
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and specifications
• Comfortable with standard PC applications (MS Office, ERP systems, etc.)
• Strong…