We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Buyer / Expeditor to lead procurement execution and supplier delivery performance in a government defense contracting environment. This role is responsible for end-to-end purchasing activities with a strong emphasis on expediting, supplier coordination, and ensuring on-time material availability to support production and program schedules. 

The ideal candidate has a strong background in procurement execution, supplier communication, and expediting within regulated environments. This role works cross-functionally with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and program teams to proactively manage supply risks, resolve delivery issues, and ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and internal procurement policies.

Key Responsibilities 
• Execute and manage purchase orders for materials, components, and services in alignment with production schedules and program requirements. 
• Actively expedite open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery and quickly resolve delays or supply disruptions. 
• Serve as the primary point of contact for suppliers regarding order status, delivery commitments, and issue resolution. 
• Monitor and maintain accurate promise dates, delivery schedules, and order status within ERP/MRP systems. 
• Ensure purchase orders include all required technical, quality, and contractual flow-down requirements. 
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including shortages, late deliveries, and capacity constraints. 
• Coordinate with suppliers to resolve discrepancies, nonconformances, and receiving issues in partnership with quality and engineering teams. 
• Support supplier performance management by tracking on-time delivery, responsiveness, and fulfillment accuracy. 
• Collaborate with planning, production, and program teams to prioritize critical material needs and adjust order priorities accordingly. 
• Maintain accurate procurement records and ensure audit readiness in compliance with government regulations and internal policies. 
• Assist in onboarding new suppliers as needed and ensure proper documentation and compliance requirements are met. 
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement execution, expediting processes, and supplier communication. 

Required Qualifications 
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field (or equivalent experience). 
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, buying, or supply chain operations, with a strong focus on expediting or supplier management. 
• Experience working in a government contracting or highly regulated environment. 
• Strong understanding of purchase order management, supplier coordination, and delivery tracking. 
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (Unanet, SAP, Oracle, or similar). 
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data tracking. 
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. 

Preferred Qualifications 
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environments. 
• Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and ITAR requirements. 
• Experience managing supplier delivery performance and expediting in complex supply chains. 
• Background in resolving supplier quality or delivery issues in coordination with cross-functional teams. 
• APICS or ISM certification (CPIM, CSCP, CPSM) or equivalent. 

Key Competencies 
• Strong sense of urgency and ability to manage time-critical deliverables. 
• Detail-oriented with a compliance-focused mindset. 
• Excellent communication and supplier relationship management skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
• Proactive problem-solver with strong follow-through. 
• Collaborative team player with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders. 
• High level of professionalism and accountability in supplier interactions. 

We are seeking a highly experienced and compliance-driven Purchasing Manager – Government & Defense Programs to lead and oversee all procurement activities supporting government and defense contracts. This role is responsible for managing a team of buyers, establishing procurement strategy, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving supplier performance across approved and qualified vendors. 

The Purchasing Manager will ensure full adherence to FAR/DFARS, ITAR, cybersecurity requirements, and internal controls while balancing cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk mitigation. This position partners closely with executive leadership, program management, engineering, quality, finance, and manufacturing to support mission-critical program execution in a highly regulated environment. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Procurement Leadership 

• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with government contract requirements and organizational objectives. 

• Lead sourcing strategy within the Approved Vendor List (AVL) while overseeing supplier qualification and onboarding processes. 

• Establish make/buy strategies in collaboration with engineering and operations. 

• Drive long-term supplier partnerships to ensure capacity, capability, and compliance. 

Team Management & Development 

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of buyers and procurement professionals. 

• Set performance expectations, monitor KPIs, and conduct performance evaluations. 

• Ensure team adherence to internal policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements. 

• Foster a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement. 

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight 

• Ensure procurement activities comply with FAR/DFARS, ITAR, Buy American, flow-down clauses, and cybersecurity requirements (e.g., CMMC/NIST where applicable). 

• Maintain audit-ready procurement documentation in support of DCMA, DCAA, and customer audits. 

• Oversee purchase order quality, contractual accuracy, and proper flow-down requirements. 

• Implement counterfeit parts prevention and supply chain risk mitigation strategies. 

Supplier Performance & Risk Management 

• Oversee supplier performance metrics (OTD, quality, responsiveness, cost control). 

• Lead escalation and resolution of supplier nonconformances and corrective actions. 

• Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies. 

• Support capacity planning and material availability to meet production and program schedules. 

Financial & Contractual Accountability 

• Oversee cost and price analysis to ensure fair and reasonable pricing. 

• Lead supplier negotiations, long-term agreements, and contract modifications. 

• Partner with finance to support forecasting, budget adherence, and working capital optimization. 

• Review and approve high-value purchase orders and subcontract agreements. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Partner with engineering and quality to ensure technical and quality compliance. 

• Support program management with procurement status reporting, risk assessments, and recovery plans. 

• Collaborate with manufacturing to align procurement execution with production schedules.
  
• Provide executive-level reporting on supplier performance, cost trends, and risk exposure. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field. 

• 10+ years of procurement experience in a government defense contracting environment, or similar. 

• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience. 

• Strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and government contract compliance requirements. 

• Demonstrated experience managing Approved Vendor Lists (AVL) and supplier qualification processes. 

• Proven experience leading negotiations, cost/price analysis, and contract review. 

• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (Unanet, SAP, Oracle, or similar). 
  
  
• Strong analytical capability with advanced Microsoft Excel skills. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting aerospace or defense manufacturing environments. 

• MBA preferred. 

• Familiarity with AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality systems. 

• Experience working directly with DCMA and DCAA. 

• Knowledge of supply chain cybersecurity compliance and counterfeit parts prevention. 

• Experience implementing procurement process improvements or ERP transformations. 

• CPSM, CPIM, or related professional certification. 
  
  
• Active or previously held security clearance. 

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with strong operational execution capability. 

• Compliance-first mindset with high ethical standards. 

• Strong leadership presence and team development capability. 

• Advanced negotiation and conflict resolution skills. 

• Ability to manage high-risk, high-visibility government programs. 

• Strong decision-making under schedule and regulatory pressure. 

• Results-oriented with a high degree of ownership and accountability. 

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Junior Buyer – Strategic Sourcing to support procurement and supplier sourcing activities in a government defense contracting environment. This role focuses on executing day-to-day buying activities while supporting longer-term strategic sourcing initiatives under the guidance of senior buyers and supply chain leadership.

The ideal candidate is early in their procurement career and eager to develop a strong foundation in government contracting compliance, supplier management, and cost analysis. This role works cross-functionally with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and program teams to ensure material availability while maintaining adherence to FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and internal sourcing policies.

Key Responsibilities:

· Execute purchase orders for materials, components, and services using approved suppliers in accordance with procurement policies.

· Support strategic sourcing initiatives, including supplier evaluations, cost comparisons, and sourcing recommendations.

· Assist in maintaining and utilizing the Approved Vendor List (AVL) in compliance with government and internal requirements.

· Coordinate with senior buyers to support supplier negotiations and long-term sourcing strategies.

· Ensure purchase orders include appropriate technical, quality, and contractual flow-downs.

· Track supplier deliveries and follow up on open orders to support production schedules.

· Assist with supplier performance tracking, including on-time delivery and quality metrics.

· Support resolution of supplier issues, discrepancies, and nonconformances in coordination with quality and engineering.

· Maintain accurate procurement documentation and audit-ready records.

· Support ERP/MRP system transactions for purchasing, order tracking, and inventory visibility.

· Participate in cross-functional meetings to align sourcing activities with program and production needs.

Required Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

· 1–3 years of experience in procurement, buying, or supply chain operations.

· Basic understanding of government contracting environments and regulated supply chains.

· Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (Unanet, SAP, Oracle, or similar).

· Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic data analysis.

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Exposure to aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environments.

· Introductory knowledge of FAR/DFARS and ITAR requirements.

· Experience supporting Approved Vendor Lists (AVL) or supplier qualification activities.

· Internship or co-op experience in procurement or supply chain.

· Interest in developing skills in strategic sourcing, negotiations, and supplier management.

· APICS or ISM coursework or certification in progress.

Key Competencies:

· Strong willingness to learn and grow in a regulated procurement environment.

· Detail-oriented with a compliance-focused mindset.

· Effective written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

· Collaborative team player with a proactive attitude.

· Sound judgment and professionalism when interacting with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Compensation:

Level I - $72k - $83k
Level II - $83k - $106k

We are seeking a detail-oriented Junior Buyer to execute procurement activities across assigned commodities, programs, and value streams in a government defense contracting environment. The ideal candidate will independently manage sourcing, supplier relationships, and subcontract compliance while ensuring adherence to FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and cybersecurity requirements. This role will serve as an individual contributor responsible for the full procurement cycle within cross-functional program teams. The ideal candidate will have foundational knowledge of government contract flow-down requirements and the ability to work collaboratively with Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Planning, and Program Management stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

· Execute end-to-end procurement activities for assigned commodities, programs, or value streams, including purchase order execution with accurate technical, quality, and contractual flow-down clauses

· Source materials, components, and services from the Approved Vendor List (AVL) in compliance with FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and cybersecurity requirements

· Contribute to make/buy decisions and long-term sourcing strategies aligned with program objectives

· Manage supplier relationships, monitoring KPIs including On-Time Delivery, Quality, Lead Time, and Cost Performance, and drive corrective actions as needed

· Conduct supplier negotiations and cost and price analysis to ensure fair and reasonable pricing

· Qualify and onboard new suppliers to mitigate risk or address capacity constraints, partnering with Quality and Engineering to resolve technical issues, nonconformances, and root cause corrective actions

· Maintain audit-ready procurement documentation to support DCMA, DCAA, CPSR, and customer audits

· Review and validate contractual flow-down requirements for subcontractors and suppliers, and identify supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies

· Collaborate with Planning and Manufacturing to align material availability with production schedules and program milestones

· Provide procurement status reporting and risk visibility to supply chain and program leadership, and participate in material review boards and program reviews as the procurement point of contact

· Drive cost-reduction initiatives, value engineering efforts, and continuous improvement programs

Required Qualifications:

· Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field

· 2–5 years of procurement or buying experience in a government defense contracting environment

· Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and government contract flow-down requirements

· Experience managing Approved Vendor Lists (AVL) and supplier qualification processes

· Experience in supplier negotiations, cost/price analysis, and subcontract compliance reviews

· Experience supporting ERP/MRP systems such as Unanet, SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms

· Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and procurement analytics

· U.S. Citizenship