Buyer

Procurement Specialist

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies' core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

As a Procurement Specialist, you will develop supplier relationships, manage purchasing activities, and help ensure timely delivery of materials that support production and program needs. You will coordinate with internal teams, manage purchase documentation, monitor supplier performance, and maintain strong communication to support cost-effective and reliable supply chain operations.

Schedule

• MondayFriday, 7:00am4:00pm.

Responsibilities

• Identifies, evaluates, and builds relationships with suppliers to support reliable and cost-effective aerospace material and component procurement.
• Develops and implements procurement strategies that align with company objectives while managing cost and quality.
• Creates and manages purchase orders and requisitions, solicits bid proposals, tracks order status, and resolves discrepancies.
• Negotiates pricing, lead times, terms, and conditions to achieve competitive cost while maintaining required quality standards.
• Collaborates with inventory and production teams to ensure timely material delivery and maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Ensures purchased materials and components meet quality standards and required certifications by coordinating with quality teams.
• Supports creation and management of purchase agreements to ensure compliance with contractual terms.
• Partners with production, engineering, and quality teams to support material availability for manufacturing processes.
• Monitors supplier performance and market trends to identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Ensures procurement activities comply with aerospace regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Maintains accurate records of procurement activities and provides regular reports on performance and inventory levels.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Self-motivated with strong integrity and professional responsibility.
• Ability to adapt to changes, manage competing demands, and respond to unexpected events.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to read, speak, and write in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 35 years of procurement experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• Understanding of industry standards, materials, and certifications such as AS9100, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
• Proficiency with procurement software such as SAP or Oracle and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data for procurement decision-making.
• Knowledge of cost management and budgeting processes.
• Experience monitoring inventory levels.

Special Mentions

• Minimal travel required for this position.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.