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Senior Buyer - Optics

DRS Technologies

  • Melbourne, FL
  • 5 days ago
  • Remote

    Highlights

    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. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.

    Numbers & Facts

    LocationMelbourne, FL (
    Remote
    )
    IndustryAerospace and Defense
    Company Size5,000 to 9,999 employees
    Websitehttp://www.drs.com/

    Description

    Job ID: 114848

    Location: Remote supporting Melbourne FL

    Schedule: 9/80

    The Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business within DRS has locations in Dallas and Austin, TX, Melbourne, FL, and Cypress, CA. EOIS develops, manufactures, and supports infrared and electro-optical solutions for soldiers, ground vehicles and airborne platforms. We offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance.

    Employing the world's brightest. Supporting the world's bravest.

    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.

    U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

    Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.

    • Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

    Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

    Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.

    Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

    • Integrity
    • Agility
    • Excellence
    • Customer Focus
    • Community & Respect
    • Innovation

    We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.

    Nearest Major Market: Melbourne

    About Company

    DRS Technologies, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, U.S.A., is a leading supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide. Focused on defense technology, the Company develops, manufactures and supports a broad range of systems for mission critical and military sustainment requirements, as well as homeland security.

    The Company has been recognized as one of the fastest growing defense technology companies in the world and holds leading market positions in thermal imaging devices, combat display workstations, electronic sensor systems, power systems, rugged computer systems, air combat training systems, mission recorders, deployable flight incident recorders, environmental control systems, telecommunication systems, aircraft loaders, military trailers and shelters, and integrated logistics and support services.

    DRS's broad range of mission critical systems and sustainment solutions uniquely position the Company to support the ongoing superiority of the military's Current Force, as well as the modernization and emerging transformation initiatives of the Future Force.

    DRS responds to the needs of U.S. and allied military forces, as they engage in day-to-day expeditionary activities, by providing high-tech products and systems that improve the capabilities of many key platforms. The Company also provides a range of military support systems and services. DRS's products are deployed on a wide range of high-profile military platforms and on several platforms for non-military applications.

    Our sustainment products, such as environmental control systems, power generators, water and fuel distribution systems, chemical/biological decontamination systems and heavy equipment transport systems, are used to support military forces, humanitarian efforts and peacekeeping. We also provide security and asset protection systems and services, telecommunication and information technology services, training and logistics support services for all branches of the U.S. armed forces and certain international militaries, homeland security forces, and select government and intelligence agencies.

    DRS strives to provide quality products and services and stand behind them, to invest in research and development and new market opportunities, and to leverage existing core defense programs and business areas.

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