Buyer III

Job Description

Job Description

Attalon / Location Overview

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

Attalon in Traverse City, Michigan is a vertically integrated manufacturing and R&D campus specializing in high-performance optical isolators, photodetectors, and laser solutions for industrial, medical, scientific, and research applications. The site encompasses 40,000 sq. ft., including 15,000 sq. ft. of ISO 7 and ISO 8 cleanrooms certified to ISO 14644 1:2015, enabling both high volume production and rapid prototyping in a controlled environment.

At Attalon inc. in Traverse City, MI we foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our teams work in a state-of-the-art facility with advanced cleanrooms, precision manufacturing, and cutting-edge R&D labs, enabling us to deliver world-class optical solutions. We value continuous improvement, technical excellence, and teamwork, leveraging vertical integration to accelerate design cycles and meet challenging customer requirements. Employees thrive in an environment that combines high-tech engineering with hands-on problem solving, where ideas move quickly from concept to production. If you’re passionate about precision, creativity, and making an impact in photonics, you’ll fit right in.

Job Details

The Buyer III is responsible for purchasing, expediting, and supplier coordination for production materials, with a specific focus on new product introduction and development. This role supports development schedules by ensuring timely procurement execution, accurate PO management, and supplier issue resolution. Experience with IFS Cloud is strongly preferred. 

The role ensures compliance with FAR/DFARS , ITAR/EAR , and other government contracting requirements by working closely with internal stakeholders such as Engineering, Program Management, Contracts, Quality and Compliance. While these regulatory and program‑driven activities require broad cross‑functional alignment, the buyer maintains accountability for ensuring supply chain considerations, risks, and requirements are incorporated throughout design, prototype, development, and production phases.

Responsibilities

• Execute purchase orders for materials, equipment, supplies, and services that support engineering, development, and ongoing operations.
• Issue RFQs to approved suppliers, evaluate quotations, negotiate pricing and delivery terms, and place POs in accordance with procurement policies.
• Manage PO updates, delivery schedules, and follow-up activities to resolve delays, shortages, and other supply issues.
• Lead Supply Chain activities for development projects from concept through launch, ensuring materials and services meet program timelines.
• Represent Supply Chain on cross-functional development teams, working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Planning, Quality, and Program Management.
• Track and manage long-lead items, procurement milestones, and material readiness for prototype and development builds
• Monitor project inventory and identify risks that could affect build schedules or material availability.
• Lead supplier identification, evaluation, selection, and onboarding activities for new technologies, components, and assemblies.
• Guide and support supplier qualification and capability assessments in coordination with Supplier Quality and Engineering teams.
• Ensure full compliance with ITAR, EAR, and other export control requirements, including supplier eligibility and proper handling of controlled technical data.
• Assist in preparing supply chain plans outlining sourcing needs, risks, and supplier actions for assigned programs.
• Own Engineering Change Order (ECO) execution from a supply chain perspective, ensuring timely supplier alignment and continuity of supply.
• Serve as the backup for Shipping, including preparing outbound shipments and completing required ERP transactions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Supply Chain, or related field

• 5+ years in supply chain or procurement

• Strong ability to manage supplier communications and production-driven priorities 
• Ability to manage fast-paced, cross-functional engineering interactions.
• Ability to understand and communicate technical information related to precision engineered components.
• Experience working with ERP systems.
• Excellent time‑management, organizational, and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Aerospace and Defense Supply Chain Management, including procurement, subcontract management, and supplier sourcing.
• Strong background supporting New Product Introduction / development projects and teams
• Expertise in strategic sourcing, particularly for precision opto‑mechanical assemblies, laser systems, and optical, mechanical, and electrical components.
• IFS or Oracle ERP experience.
• Proficiency in supplier cost‑control, schedule‑driven execution, and long‑term cost‑reduction strategies.
• Experience with LEAN initiatives and continuous improvement efforts within supply chain operations.
• Familiarity with operations functions beyond supply chain, including Quality, Inventory Management, Shipping/Receiving, and Configuration Management/Document Control.
• Strong cross‑functional communication and collaboration skills with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, Sales, and Contracts.
• Background supporting risk‑mitigation strategies such as dual‑sourcing and supply continuity planning
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and government‑contracting requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.