Buyer, Engineering

About Quantum Design

For more than 40 years Quantum Design (QD) has been providing technology solutions to researchers in the fields of physics, chemistry, biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology. Established in 1982, Quantum Design is the leading commercial source for automated materials characterization systems offering a variety of measurement capabilities. QD instruments are found in the world's leading research institutions and have become the reference standard for a variety of magnetic and physical property measurements.

As a Buyer
, you will be responsible for procuring goods and services, such as raw materials, equipment, tools, parts and supplies, used in a semi-custom build-to-order manufacturing environment. This position is essential to ensuring the availability of a wide range of materials, components, and services, often with varying specifications, lead times, and demand - while maintaining cost control and production continuity. As our Buyer
, you will serve as a key liaison between the organization and its supplier base, proactively managing risks, resolving material issues, and adjusting procurement strategies to align with evolving business needs. Success in this role depends on strong organization, good judgment, and a practical, hands‑on approach to solving problems in an environment where flexibility and responsiveness matter.

In this role, you will also work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning, Quality and other teams to support frequently changing requirements, engineering updates, and shifting production priorities. Your ability to manage complexity, respond quickly to change, and communicate effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders will directly influence production schedules and on‑time customer delivery.

• Establish and maintain strong and positive relationship with our suppliers. Negotiate with qualified suppliers to obtain the lowest total cost for components and services, within acceptable lead times. Develop and manage new sources of supply.
• Generate purchase orders to maintain a continuous supply of materials and avoid disruptions in manufacturing.
• Maintain confirmed order dates, delivery updates and price changes, addressing any delivery and stock issues on a regular basis. Expedite purchase orders as required.
• Coordinate the return of non‑conforming material to suppliers for rework or credit, as required.
• Identify problem areas, initiate corrective action and establish problem resolution dates in a timely manner.
• Reschedule in case of design changes, labor and material shortages, backlogs and other interruptions.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Two years of experience in procurement within a manufacturing environment
• Two years of experience working with Material Requirements Planning (MRP) concepts and systems

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or related field
• Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) programs
• Experience with Infor Syte Line
• Knowledge of general inventory control operations, purchasing and receiving activities and general stockroom practices.
• Intermediate to advanced experience with Excel

• This position’s work mode is 100% onsite
  . The employee will report to our facility in San Diego, CA five days a week.
• Local traveling to vendor sites may be required
• This position will work in a manufacturing environment that includes office, stockroom, warehouse, and test floor areas. The ability to sit, stand, and lift is necessary. Must be able to properly lift up to 20 lbs.

Quantum Design is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions, policies and practices are in accordance with applicable federal, state and local anti‑discrimination laws. Quantum Design will not tolerate or engage in unlawful discrimination including any form of unlawful harassment, on account of a person's sex, age, race, color, religion, creed, sexual preference or orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, veteran status, handicap, disability or membership in any protected group.