Senior Buyer - Optics

Job Summary

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.

Job Responsibilities

• Direct experience purchasing optical components, optical assemblies, or precision electro-optical hardware is required.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related field and 5 years of DFAR/FAR purchasing experience in the Aerospace and Defense Industry
• 5+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain, 3 of which need to be in the aerospace and defense industry.
• 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.
• U.S. citizenship required due to government contracts.
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Active U.S. Security Clearance (Secret or above).
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), or equivalent certification.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO standards, and Quality Assurance processes.
• Experience in cost analysis and strategic sourcing.
• Background in supporting DoD programs.