Job Title: Senior Buyer

Job Description

The Senior Buyer leads sourcing, procurement, and supplier management for optics, optical assemblies, and precision electrooptical components within the aerospace and defense sector. This role focuses on high-value, technically complex hardware and requires strong negotiation skills, deep familiarity with government procurement regulations, and a solid understanding of optical materials, coatings, lenses, mirrors, sensors, and related manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities for high-value, technically complex optical components, optical assemblies, and precision electrooptical hardware in accordance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and internal company policies.
• Analyze MRP/ERP demand to plan material requirements and issue RFQs, RFPs, and purchase orders to qualified suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier quotes for technical compliance, cost, and delivery, and perform detailed cost and price analyses to support fact-finding and negotiation efforts.
• Develop and maintain strong, long-term supplier relationships that support strategic sourcing initiatives and program objectives.
• Actively manage supplier performance in terms of delivery, quality, and responsiveness, and initiate corrective actions when performance does not meet expectations.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, quality, program management, contracts, and legal teams to ensure alignment with technical requirements, program goals, and contract terms.
• Support supplier risk assessments, develop mitigation strategies, and contribute to supplier improvement plans to ensure continuity of supply.
• Assist in audits and compliance reviews related to purchasing activities, documentation, and adherence to government and internal regulations.
• Lead or contribute to process improvement initiatives aimed at increasing procurement efficiency, reducing cycle times, and enhancing data accuracy.
• Ensure accurate and timely input of procurement data into ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle, maintaining data integrity across all purchasing activities.
• Maintain purchasing records and documentation in full compliance with internal procedures and applicable government regulations.
• Manage a high volume of requisitions and purchase order line items while prioritizing pull-in and expedite requests to meet program schedules.
• Support build-to-print procurement activities, ensuring purchased components and assemblies meet detailed technical specifications and quality standards.
• Participate in minimal travel to supplier sites when necessary to support negotiations, relationship development, audits, and performance reviews.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience in procurement or supply chain, including a minimum of 3 years in the aerospace and defense industry.
• A bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent relevant experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of FAR/DFARS purchasing experience within the aerospace and defense industry.
• Direct, hands-on experience purchasing optical components, optical assemblies, or precision electrooptical hardware.
• Strong working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and other U.S. Government procurement regulations.
• Experience working with MRP/ERP systems and using them to analyze demand and manage purchasing activities.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively, manage contracts, and resolve supplier performance issues.
• Experience with build-to-print procurement and working with detailed technical specifications.
• Proven ability to manage many requisitions and purchase order line items simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Experience handling pull-in and expedite requests to support dynamic program schedules.
• Strong supplier management skills, including performance monitoring and corrective action implementation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for collaborating across engineering, quality, program management, contracts, and legal teams.
• Ability and willingness to participate in minimal travel to suppliers when required.
• U.S. citizenship required due to the nature of government contracts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Active U.S. Security Clearance (Secret level or above) is highly preferred.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), or equivalent are desirable.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and related quality and industry standards.
• Experience with quality assurance processes in an aerospace and defense environment.
• Background in supporting Department of Defense (DoD) programs and understanding their procurement requirements.
• Experience in cost analysis and strategic sourcing initiatives focused on long-term value and risk reduction.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for evaluating complex technical and commercial proposals.
• High level of organizational skills and attention to detail when working within ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote, cross-functional team environment and maintain strong professional relationships.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in procurement and supply chain best practices.

Work Environment

This role operates in a 100% remote work environment, offering flexibility to work from any location within the United States. The position follows East Coast business hours and uses a 9/80 schedule, providing a structured yet balanced workweek. While not required, candidates who are able to occasionally visit office locations in Melbourne or Dallas may have opportunities for in-person collaboration. The work environment centers on advanced aerospace and defense technologies, including optics, electrooptical systems, advanced sensing, defense electronics, power systems, and next-generation military technologies. Employees collaborate virtually with highly skilled professionals across engineering, quality, program management, contracts, legal, and supply chain functions. The organization emphasizes career development, continuous learning, and internal advancement, creating a culture where team members can make a meaningful impact, grow professionally, and contribute to innovative, cutting-edge programs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Melbourne, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $110000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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.

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.