Job Description

Title: Jr. Buyer

Location: Stafford, VA (Onsite)

Industry: Defense Manufacturing

Relocation: May be provided for the right candidate

Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance after being hired

Position Overview

Our client is seeking a motivated Jr. Buyer to support purchasing and supply chain activities for a growing U.S. defense manufacturing operation.

This is a hands-on opportunity for someone who wants to build a career in procurement within the defense and aerospace manufacturing industry. The Jr. Buyer will work closely with Procurement, Engineering, Quality, Operations, Production, and outside suppliers to ensure materials and components are purchased accurately, delivered on time, and properly tracked throughout the procurement process.

The position will support the purchasing of both commercial and custom build-to-print components, including electronics, PCB/PCBAs, CNC-machined parts, fabricated components, hardware, composites, 3D-printed parts, and other materials used in specialized defense systems.

The ideal candidate is organized, persistent, comfortable communicating with suppliers, and willing to follow up aggressively when materials, quotes, documentation, or delivery dates are needed. This person does not need to be a senior procurement expert, but they should have a strong desire to learn technical purchasing and develop into a larger procurement role.

Required Skills & Experience

• 3+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, and supply chain within the defense manufacturing industry
• Must have experience with ITAR/FAR/DFAR
• Must have experience with procuring build-to-print or custom-manufactured components
• Basic understanding of purchase orders, pricing, lead times, delivery schedules, and supplier terms.
• Ability to track multiple open orders and follow up consistently with suppliers.
• Comfortable working with technical part numbers, bills of materials (BOMs), specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Ability to develop a basic understanding of engineering drawings and technical requirements.
• Experience purchasing for PCB/PCBAs and electronic components, CNC-machined parts, Fabricated metal components, Composites, 3D-printed components, Mechanical hardware and assemblies
• Ability to identify missing information and communicate questions back to Procurement, Engineering, Quality, or suppliers.
• Comfortable calling suppliers to obtain quotes, confirm orders, resolve questions, and obtain updated delivery dates.
• Able to develop positive working relationships with vendors while still holding suppliers accountable.
• Persistent and comfortable following up when responses are delayed.
• Able to communicate supplier issues quickly and clearly to internal stakeholders.
• Able to recognize potential delays or problems before they impact production.
• Comfortable working in a fast-growing, startup-like environment where priorities and requirements may change quickly.
• Experience using an ERP/MRP system is preferred; Microsoft Dynamics experience is a plus.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and related business applications.

Key Responsibilities

Purchase Order Execution

• Create and issue purchase orders based on approved purchase requisitions and production requirements.
• Verify part numbers, quantities, pricing, lead times, delivery requirements, and supporting documentation before issuing orders.
• Maintain accurate purchasing information within the ERP/MRP system.
• Update purchase orders as quantities, delivery dates, specifications, or other requirements change.
• Ensure purchasing records and supporting documentation are complete and accurate.

RFQs & Supplier Coordination

• Send Requests for Quote (RFQs) to approved and prospective suppliers.
• Collect supplier quotations and organize pricing, lead time, minimum order quantities, and other terms for comparison.
• Follow up with suppliers to obtain outstanding quotations and information.
• Assist senior procurement personnel in evaluating sourcing options.
• Help identify alternate suppliers when existing vendors cannot meet schedule, pricing, or technical requirements.

Order Tracking & Expediting

• Monitor open purchase orders and supplier delivery commitments.
• Contact suppliers regularly to confirm order status and expected ship dates.
• Expedite critical materials when necessary to support production schedules.
• Identify potential late deliveries and communicate risks internally before they impact production.
• Maintain accurate expected-delivery dates within the ERP system.
• Coordinate with receiving, production, quality, and procurement when delivery issues occur.

Engineering & Technical Purchasing Support

• Work with Procurement and Engineering to ensure suppliers receive current drawings, specifications, BOM information, and technical requirements.
• Communicate supplier questions to the appropriate engineering or quality personnel.
• Track responses to technical questions and help ensure suppliers receive clarification quickly.
• Assist with purchasing activities related to prototypes, first articles, engineering changes, and new product introduction.
• Support senior procurement personnel with build-to-print and build-to-spec supplier activities.

Supplier Management Support

• Maintain supplier contact information, quotations, purchase history, and supporting documentation.
• Help track supplier performance, including delivery, responsiveness, pricing, and quality concerns.
• Follow up on corrective actions, replacement components, returns, and supplier documentation when needed.
• Develop strong working relationships with suppliers to improve responsiveness and communication.

Cross-Functional Support

• Work closely with Procurement, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Production, and Operations to support material requirements and production schedules.
• Participate in purchasing and production meetings to understand upcoming material requirements and priorities.
• Communicate shortages, delays, pricing changes, and supplier concerns proactively.
• Assist the procurement team in developing more efficient purchasing processes as the U.S. operation continues to grow.