Aerospace Materials & OSP Estimator/Buyer

Votaw Precision Technologies LLC; Santa Fe Springs (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Votaw Precision Technologies LLC is a hybrid role leader in aerospace manufacturing, owning front-end estimating and back-end purchasing for raw materials and outside processing. You will read prints (GD&T), build costed BOMs, solicit quotes, and manage supplier relations to ensure on-time delivery for aerospace programs.

The role requires 5–7+ years in aerospace purchasing/estimating, strong print-reading skills, and deep knowledge of aerospace materials and OSP/LF processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 5–7+ years in purchasing, estimating, materials management, or a related supply chain role in an aerospace machining/job-shop environment.
• Proficiency reading complex prints and specifications (including GD&T) and identifying material callouts and special process requirements.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace materials (aluminum, titanium, stainless, nickel alloys/exotics) and raw material forms, with practical understanding of outside-processing methods and typical lead times/quality requirements.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; working knowledge of BOM structure and demand signals.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills and vendor management; strong communication, organization, and follow-through; able to work with minimal supervision.
• Advanced Excel skills for cost modeling and quote analysis; proficiency with MS Office.
• Familiarity with AS9100/ISO and ITAR/DFARS flow downs; experience working with accredited special-process suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Analyze 2D/3D drawings, specifications, and SOWs to determine material type, form, sizes, quantities, and yield; perform accurate material takeoffs for prototype and low-rate production.
• Identify required outside processes (e.g., heat treat, NDT, coatings/plating, paint, passivation, grinding, forming) and develop cost estimates and schedule assumptions.
• Solicit, compare, and analyze supplier/processor quotes; normalize assumptions and select optimal sources for proposals (price, lead time, capability, quality).
• Build and maintain costed BOMs and quote back-up; present clear estimating summaries and risk/assumption logs.
• Maintain a pricing database for key materials and OSP services to improve quote speed and accuracy.
• Issue purchase orders for materials, components, equipment, and services in accordance with established policies; manage critical/complex buys requiring specialized knowledge and certifications.
• Review and approve requisitions; expedite as needed to meet operations schedules; coordinate closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Shipping/Receiving.
• Analyze bids, negotiate pricing, delivery, and terms; select suppliers and evaluate vendor performance and reliability.
• Ensure part delivery supports production; proactively escape when risk to schedule exists; communicate status and issues to stakeholders.
• Coordinate with Shipping/Receiving for optimal flow; support hardware kitting for manufacturing jobs when needed.
• Manage remnant (REM) inventory: check-in/out, secure storage, identification/traceability.
• Identify new supply sources for materials and special processing where cost, capability, or delivery improvements are possible.
• Drive continuous improvement in quoting and buying procedures for materials/OSP; perform post-project reviews to compare estimated vs. actuals and capture learnings.
• Partner with Quality to address nonconforming goods/services, identify root cause, and implement corrective actions with suppliers/processors.

Skills

Print reading

GD&T

Aerospace materials

ERP/MRP

Negotiation

Vendor management

Excel

Cost modeling

Cross-functional

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

MS Office

BOM management tools

Job description

Votaw Precision Technologies LLC is a hybrid role leader in aerospace manufacturing, owning front-end estimating and back-end purchasing for raw materials and outside processing. You will read prints (GD&T), build costed BOMs, solicit quotes, and manage supplier relations to ensure on-time delivery for aerospace programs.

The role requires 5–7+ years in aerospace purchasing/estimating, strong print-reading skills, and deep knowledge of aerospace materials and OSP/LF processes.