Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

RTCA is a precision aerospace and defense manufacturing group built on decades of hands-on machining expertise, with roots spanning more than 50 years. We support mission-critical commercial and government aerospace programs across North America through four U.S. Centers of Excellence operating as an integrated platform with 150+ CNC machines and a team of 250+ professionals.

Unlike large organizations where roles can be narrow, RTCA offers hands-on ownership and real visibility – you understand how your work supports the team, the operation, and the end customer. Our flat structure allows employees to take initiative, grow their skills, and have their contributions recognized, while still providing the stability, advanced technology, and meaningful work of an established aerospace manufacturer.

At RTCA, we believe in teamwork, excellence, and delivering with pride. One Team! One Mission!

How You’ll Make an Impact: 

The Buyer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing purchasing functions related to Outside Processing (OSP), supporting cross-functional teams including Quality, Engineering, Planning, Estimating, Manufacturing, and Finance. This role plays a critical part in maintaining part flow through outside processors while upholding cost, schedule, and compliance objectives. The ideal candidate brings integrity, initiative, and strong interpersonal skills to support both production needs and estimating requirements in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

What you’ll be doing as a Buyer:

• Working a full-time, onsite position at our Chatsworth, CA location.
• Source and maintain relationships with vendors and processors that meet aerospace standards for quality, lead time, and cost.
• Create, manage, and track Purchase Orders (POs) for outside services such as heat treating, anodizing, NDT, passivation, and painting.
• Evaluate supplier quotations and lead time to support purchasing decisions and quoting efforts.
• Assist in cost containment and reduction by negotiating pricing and monitoring supplier performance.
• Collaborate with Shipping/Receiving to manage logistics and documentation for outgoing and incoming OSP parts.
• Review shortage reports daily to ensure Just-In-Time (JIT) support for operations.
• Resolve discrepancies in supplier invoices, deliveries, and documentation in coordination with Accounting and Receiving.
• Support the Estimating department by sourcing pricing that aligns with customer specs, terms, and timelines.
• Quickly develop a working knowledge of the company’s MRP/ERP system to input, update, and manage purchasing data.
• Ensure adherence to all company, state, and federal safety and compliance policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Experience: 2–5 years in purchasing or supply chain, preferably in aerospace or manufacturing.
• Independently manages routine OSP POs and vendor communications.
• Supports quote activities for Estimating and ensures timely return of processed parts.
• Assists in supplier selection and participates in performance reviews.
• Troubleshoots discrepancies in invoicing, delivery, and documentation with minimal oversight.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Aerospace or defense industry experience.
• Knowledge of special processing certifications (e.g., NADCAP).
• Exposure to invoice and PO reconciliation in coordination with accounting.

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Choice of medical plan options, including a no-cost employee-only coverage plan
• HSA-eligible health plan with employer contributions 
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) plan with up to a 6% QACA company match
• Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and nine (9) paid company holidays
• Shift differentials for applicable off-shifts
• Discretionary bonus programs based on position and company performance

The Buyer Compensation range for onsite California applicants is $71,000 - $76,000 annually commensurate with experience. Some shifts may include shift differential pay rates. Other site ranges may differ.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. 

 

RTCA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

 

Applicants wishing to receive information on RTCA’s Affirmative Action Plans, or those requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, should contact the RTCA Human Resources Department. Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to access or use our career center due to a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Human Resources.

 

Candidates will receive consideration without discrimination in accordance with Article 9, Chapter XVIII of the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code and applicable federal, state, and local laws.