Buyer III

Job Title: Buyer III

Location: Kent, WA or  Merrit Island, FL

Job Type: Full Time, Contract

Expected hours per week: 40

Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm

Pay: $50-75/hr (Location Dependent)

Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced Procurement and Strategic Sourcing professional to support the development and production of cutting-edge spaceflight systems. This role is responsible for managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, sourcing critical hardware, and ensuring materials are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with technical and program requirements.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in procurement, supplier management, contract negotiations, and complex sourcing activities within aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries.
Key Responsibilities

• Manage suppliers and internal stakeholders to support the development and production of spaceflight systems.
• Lead the end-to-end procurement process from requisition creation through invoicing and payment.
• Prepare and issue Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and Requests for Quote (RFQs).
• Evaluate supplier proposals, conduct price and cost analyses, and develop negotiation strategies.
• Negotiate and manage a variety of contract types, including:
  • Firm Fixed Price (FFP)
  • Time & Material (T&M)
  • Cost Reimbursable Contracts (CPFF, CPIF)
• Develop and manage Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) and strategic supplier partnerships.
• Monitor supplier performance to ensure delivery, quality, cost, and schedule requirements are achieved.
• Collaborate with engineering, program management, finance, and operations teams to support business objectives.
• Resolve supplier-related issues and implement corrective actions when needed.
• Track procurement metrics and provide data-driven recommendations to leadership.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, company policies, and quality standards.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, purchasing, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or supplier management.
• Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and supplier contracts.
• Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Familiarity with engineering documentation, specifications, and technical drawings.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 quality standards.

• Aerospace, defense, or space industry experience.
• Experience sourcing avionics, fluid systems, or other highly technical components.
• Knowledge of ITAR/EAR import and export regulations.
• CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) certification.
• CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) certification.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
• Experience with Deltek Costpoint, Jira, SharePoint, SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems.

• Strategic Sourcing
• Procurement & Purchasing
• Supplier Management
• Contract Negotiation
• Cost & Price Analysis
• Supply Chain Management
• FAR Compliance
• RFQ/RFP Management
• Long-Term Agreements (LTAs)
• Aerospace Manufacturing
• ERP Systems
• Data Analysis & KPI Tracking

Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to play a critical role in supporting the supply chain behind advanced aerospace and spaceflight programs. You'll work cross-functionally with engineering, program, and operations teams to ensure mission-critical hardware is delivered successfully and contributes to groundbreaking aerospace innovation.
Benefits: 80 hours paid time off, and medical insurance contributions, dental vision and our 401k retirement savings plan.

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