Purchasing Buyer, Senior

About this position
Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. 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.

Job Title
Senior Buyer

Under limited supervision, Senior Buyer sources, develops and maintains suppliers for materials, supplies, and other production‑related items. Negotiates pricing and terms favorable to project budget and achieves or exceeds target budget/cost without sacrificing quality or delivery. Works with Production, Programs and Engineering personnel to understand requirements and makes suggestions for viable alternatives when applicable. Monitors repeat buys and makes suggestions as to stock quantities or inventory levels. Ensures compliance to SOX, CMMC, SPRS and internal approval matrices. May assist Estimating in sourcing and costing material/items for RFQ's. May oversee, train or mentor other Buyers or Purchasing personnel.

Responsibilities

Examines budgets, drawings and specifications to understand requirements prior to sourcing

Meets or exceeds target price/cost without sacrificing quality or delivery

Based on requirements, recommends the best supplier. Creates P.O's and ensures appropriate approvals are obtained prior to placing orders

Negotiates blanket and annual contracts/service agreements. Reviews contracts to ensure they comply with LWOS's standard T&C guidelines. Negotiates contract terms for favorable to LWOS.

Monitors approvals, delivery and supplier performance. Modifies P.O's, lead times or expedites orders as required and communicates changes to all affected parties

Acts as a liaison between company departments and the supplier to resolve issues of production, quality or schedule

Maintains strong relationships with key suppliers. Utilizes such relationships to leverage favorable terms

Identifies multiple procurement sources where available and maintains information on alternate and/or preferred suppliers

Identifies areas for cost savings based on competitive suppliers, materials market, etc. and negotiates with supplier for lower costs or better terms

Discrepancies or difficulties in finding appropriate suppliers/pricing are promptly communicated and resolved

Participates in Supplier Development/Qualification activities by sourcing, researching and evaluating new suppliers. Makes recommendations for including new suppliers based on their capabilities, quality, pricing and capacity

Assists Estimating or Programs in securing pricing and quotes for RFG or bid proposal activities

Provides data for analytics, metrics or reporting

Examines analytics or trends to help determine best stock levels on routine buys or for Kanban activity. Makes suggestions for improvement when appropriate

Makes suggestions for alternative products where appropriate to improve cost, quality or delivery times

Stays informed of the current markets and trends for commonly used materials or parts. Investigates and reports on trends or new suppliers which may potentially impact the company

May lead or train other Buyers or Purchasing personnel

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum 5 years of related experience in a professional role with APICS certification

Bachelor’s degree in operation management or related discipline.

Courses in Procurement/Logistics/Operations or APICS certificated required. Years of experience may be substituted for coursework/certification.

Preferred Qualifications

Powerful communication, organization, and attention to detail skillset

Ability to multitask on various projects with time sensitive objectives

Experience creating and maintaining procedures, work instructions

Good analytical and problem‑solving skills, with familiarity using analytical tools

Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and specifications

Comfortable with standard PC applications (MS Office, ERP systems, etc.)

Strong negotiation skills with working knowledge on supplier agreements

Working knowledge of power BI or visual basic

Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment with changing priorities.

Behavior Competencies: Adaptability; Customer Focus; Innovation; Planning; Organizing; Problem Solving, Decision making

Salary Information
For Richmond, CA, the salary pay range for this role is $97,105 - $166,050.

This range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.

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.

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