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.