Buyer

Description Ascentec Engineering is seeking a Buyer for our Tualatin headquarters! The Buyer is responsible for planning, sourcing, and procuring materials, components, and services required to support manufacturing operations in a semiconductor and precision manufacturing environment. This role works cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Planning, Quality, and Sales teams to ensure materials are available to meet customer demand while balancing cost, quality, inventory, and delivery objectives. The Buyer serves as a key contributor to supplier performance, supply chain continuity, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position is onsite (not remote/not hybrid) and is not eligible for Visa sponsorship or transfer of Visa sponsorship. Requirements Procurement & Supplier Management: Source, evaluate, qualify, and manage suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery performance, technical capability, capacity, and overall reliability. Create, issue, and manage purchase orders (POs), ensuring accuracy in pricing, quantities, specifications, delivery schedules, and contractual requirements. Expedite orders and proactively manage supplier commitments to ensure uninterrupted production and on-time customer delivery. Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to support long-term partnerships, supply continuity, and improved performance. Monitor supplier performance through established key performance indicators (KPIs) and collaborate with suppliers to address delivery, quality, service, and cost issues. Support supplier negotiations related to pricing, terms, lead times, contracts, and service agreements to achieve the best total value for the organization. Supply Chain Planning & Inventory Management: Analyze material requirements, demand forecasts, inventory levels, and production schedules to ensure adequate supply while minimizing excess inventory and obsolescence. Review MRP/ERP planning signals, shortage reports, and exception messages to identify and resolve potential supply risks. Support inventory optimization efforts by maintaining target stock levels and improving inventory turnover. Monitor market conditions, lead times, supplier capacity, and material availability to identify potential supply constraints and develop mitigation strategies. Assist in qualifying alternate suppliers and second-source options to reduce supply chain risk. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Production, Planning, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Sales teams to develop purchasing strategies that support operational and customer requirements. Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, engineering change orders (ECOs), and product lifecycle management initiatives. Coordinate with Quality and Engineering teams to resolve supplier-related quality issues and support corrective action initiatives. Participate in make-versus-buy evaluations and strategic sourcing decisions. Compliance & Documentation: Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier documentation, contracts, pricing agreements, and purchasing data within company systems. Ensure compliance with company policies, customer requirements, contracts, and applicable regulations. Maintain adherence to quality and regulatory requirements, including but not limited to ISO standards, ITAR regulations, export control requirements, and internal documentation procedures. Support internal, external, customer, and regulatory audits as required. Continuous Improvement: Contribute to cost-reduction, value engineering, and process improvement initiatives that improve operational efficiency and reduce overall procurement costs. Support the development and maintenance of supplier scorecards and performance reporting metrics. Identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes, supplier performance, and overall supply chain effectiveness. Track and report procurement-related metrics, including supplier performance, purchase price variance, inventory performance, and delivery metrics. Company Expectations: Demonstrate Ascentec's Core Values in all interactions and decision-making: Customer Focus Employee Growth Trust & Integrity Operational Excellence Act Like an Owner Maintain professional relationships with internal customers and external suppliers. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned. Qualifications: Required: 4-year bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field, or equivalent work experience. Minimum 3 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience in a manufacturing environment. Experience using ERP/MRP procurement systems (SAP/Epicor/Oracle, Netsuite). Strong analytical, negotiation, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Preferred: Experience in semiconductor, electronics, aerospace, or high-tech manufacturing environments. Working knowledge of ISO quality systems, ITAR regulations, and export compliance requirements. Experience with supplier development and strategic sourcing initiatives. APICS, CPIM, CPSM, or related supply chain certification. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Demonstrated price negotiation skills for effective supplier management and cost savings. Attention to detail and accuracy in handling data and documentation Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills Decision-making methodology with some oversight from Senior Buyer and/or Manager, especially when negotiating with vendors. Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) Proficiency with ERP or procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa, NetSuite, Epicor) Team-oriented with a proactive, positive and problem-solving mindset Core Competencies: Detail oriented and accurate Flexible with Ambiguity Functional and Technical Skills in Procurement & Supply Chain Ability to prioritize work, with some guidance Clear and concise communication Action Oriented Self-Motivated Positive Team Player Compensation/Benefits: DOE Paid time off / Holiday pay Medical/Dental/Vision coverage Short- and long-term disability coverage 401(k) with matching funds Profit sharing eligibility Educational aid program availability Applicant must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check prior to employment. ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State Ascentec Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Ascentec Engineering is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ascentec-Engineerin