Buyer

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions.

Job Description

EBAD seeks a Buyer supporting our indirect spend and production programs, reporting to the Senior Supply Chain and Logistics Manager in our Graham, KY location.

Role - Buyer (Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing)

The Buyer is responsible for procuring materials, components, and services in support of defense and aerospace production programs. The role ensures purchases meet contractual requirements, military specifications, regulatory compliance (AS9100, ITAR/EAR), and cost, quality, and delivery objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers that meet AS9100, ISO 9001, and NADCAP requirements.
• Ensure suppliers are approved in the company's Approved Supplier List (ASL) and compliant with ITAR/EAR export controls.
• Negotiate terms, pricing, and delivery schedules with suppliers while adhering to FAR/DFARS clauses.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure continuity of supply and long-term capability.

2. Procurement Execution

• Issue Request for Quotes (RFQs) with all applicable drawings, specifications, and quality clauses.
• Evaluate bids for compliance with Statement of Work (SOW), MIL-STD/MIL-DTL requirements, and delivery timelines.
• Prepare and issue Purchase Orders (POs) with precise contract language, flow-down clauses, and quality requirements.
• Monitor order status to ensure on-time delivery and resolve any schedule or quality issues.

3. Compliance & Documentation

• Flow down all government, customer, and contractual requirements to suppliers, including quality standards and inspection criteria.
• Ensure Certification of Conformance (C of C), test reports, and traceability documentation are received and meet contract standards.
• Maintain procurement files for audit readiness (AS9100, DCMA, customer audits).
• Comply with anti-corruption, export control, and procurement integrity regulations.

4. Cost, Quality & Delivery Performance

• Track and report supplier Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as On-Time Delivery (OTD), quality acceptance rate, and responsiveness.
• Identify and mitigate supplier risks through alternate sourcing or corrective action plans.
• Support Value Engineering and cost-reduction initiatives without compromising compliance or quality.

5. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with engineers to clarify technical requirements.
• Coordinate with quality assurance for source inspection, first article reviews, and supplier audits.
• Collaborate with program management and production planning to align purchase activities with project milestones.
• Support finance in resolving invoices or payment discrepancies.

Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of AS9100/ISO 9001, ITAR/EAR, FAR/DFARS procurement regulations.
• Familiarity with MIL-SPEC/MIL-DTL and aerospace quality requirements.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (Deltek Costpoint, SAP, Oracle, IFS, etc.).
• Strong negotiation, communication, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and technical data packages.
• U.S. citizenship and security clearance eligibility (often required for classified programs).

Example Deliverables

• Purchase Orders with correct flow-down clauses.
• Supplier compliance documentation packages (C of C, test data, inspection reports).
• Monthly supplier performance scorecards.
• Procurement audit trail for government and customer review.

Job Description - Buyer (Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing)

Position Summary:
The Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring materials, components, and services that meet the strict cost, quality, delivery, and compliance requirements of aerospace and defense manufacturing programs. This position ensures all purchases adhere to AS9100, ITAR/EAR, FAR/DFARS regulations, and specific contract flow-down requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and qualify suppliers in accordance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and NADCAP standards.
• Ensure supplier compliance with ITAR/EAR and maintain documentation for export-controlled materials.
• Prepare and issue Requests for Quotes (RFQs) with full technical data, drawings, and quality clauses.
• Analyze supplier bids for compliance with technical, contractual, and delivery requirements.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to achieve program cost and delivery targets.
• Issue and manage Purchase Orders (POs) with complete flow-down clauses, MIL-STD/MIL-DTL requirements, and quality control provisions.
• Coordinate with Quality Assurance to arrange First Article Inspections (FAI), source inspections, and supplier audits.
• Monitor supplier On-Time Delivery (OTD) and quality performance, driving corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain procurement files for audit readiness (AS9100, DCMA, customer audits).
• Collaborate with engineering, program management, production planning, and finance to support project milestones and resolve supply chain issues.

Required Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of procurement experience in aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of AS9100/ISO 9001, ITAR/EAR, and FAR/DFARS requirements.
• Experience with MIL-SPEC/MIL-DTL procurement and certification documentation.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (Deltek Costpoint, SAP, Oracle, IFS, or similar).
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and technical data packages.
• U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (as required by contract).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Government Furnished Property (GFP) or Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) procurement.
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) impacts on procurement schedules.
• Lean Six Sigma or supply chain process improvement experience.
• Prior DCMA/customer interface experience.
• Associates, Bachelor's, master's degree

Additional Information

• Reports to: Supply Chain Manager / Purchasing Manager
• Department: Supply Chain / Procurement
• Location: [EBAD, Graham, Kentucky Location] Not Hybrid nor remote
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Travel: Occasional, including supplier site visits and audits

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.