Buyer

Kratos Defense; Orlando (FL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Defense seeks a Senior Buyer in a hybrid role in Florida to source fabricated sheet metal and machined parts. You will manage POs, schedules, and supplier performance, while interpreting engineering drawings to ensure precise sourcing.

You will evaluate bids, perform cost analyses under FAR/DFARS, and collaborate with engineering, quality, accounting, and scheduling teams. Strong vendor relations and CPSR exposure are a plus.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience purchasing fabricated sheet metal and machined parts.
• Strong analytical skills for BOM costing and bid evaluation.
• Organized with the ability to self-manage and set priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with internal and external customers.
• Experience reading engineering drawings for procurement.

Responsibilities

• Procure fabricated sheet metal and machined components.
• Manage purchase orders, delivery schedules, and supplier performance.
• Interpret engineering drawings and revisions to ensure accurate sourcing.
• Evaluate supplier bids, including cost analyses compliant with FAR/DFARS.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and negotiate effectively.
• Facilitate communication between suppliers and internal teams.
• Support continuous improvement within the supply chain and manufacturing workflow.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Vendor management

Reading drawings

MRP knowledge

Tools

Deltek Costpoint

SpendLogic

Excel

CPIM/CPM

Job description

Readiness Delivered. Kratos delivers immersive, high-fidelity training environments that enhance readiness across air, ground, maritime, and space domains. Using advanced simulation systems that integrate Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), Kratos helps warfighters build tactical skills, improve decision‑making, and accelerate operational performance before they enter live operations. Kratos has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Buyer. Join our fast‑paced, small‑business‑minded team as a Senior Buyer supporting a U.S. Government FAR/DFARS-regulated (CPSR-compliant) environment. In this role, you'll manage the procurement of custom sheet metal and machined parts‑from small brackets to large weldments‑while partnering closely with engineering, quality, accounting, and scheduling teams. You will use approved vendor lists and MRP-generated requisitions to source competitive quotes, analyze bids, and issue accurate, timely purchase orders. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, thrives on detail, and excels at balancing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

What You'll Do

• Procure fabricated sheet metal and machined components
• Manage purchase orders, delivery schedules, and supplier performance
• Interpret engineering drawings and revisions to ensure accurate sourcing
• Evaluate supplier bids, including cost analysis in compliance with FAR/DFARS
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and negotiate effectively
• Facilitate communication between suppliers and internal teams
• Support continuous improvement within the supply chain and manufacturing workflow

Keyword: supply chain, buyer, logistics

Required Experience:

• 5+ years' experience purchasing fabricated sheet metal and machined parts
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills for BOM costing, evaluating supplier bids including cost analyses in compliance with FAR/DFARS regulations.
• Highly organized, common-sense approach to problem solving, abilities to self-manage, and set priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with both internal and external customers.
• Working knowledge of engineering drawings for the purpose of procurement
• Negotiation skills while continuing effective vendor working relationships.
• Solid understanding of how manufacturing interfaces with the supply chain team.
• Technical understanding of engineering concepts that match corresponding vendor capabilities.

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Deltek Costpoint MRP system and COGN report writer
• Advanced Excel spreadsheet capabilities & related computer skills
• Experience working in a CPSR compliant environment
• Professional certification: APICS CPM, CPIM
• Lean Manufacturing and Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Procurement documentation systems such as SpendLogic

#LI-Hybrid

Competitive salary based on experience and education

Kratos experts design, develop, and manufacture a full range of reconfigurable and platform‑specific training systems, like the Marine Common Aircrew Trainer (MCAT). From rigorous, data‑driven curriculum design to contractor logistics support and ongoing system upgrades, Kratos' end-to-end services help ensure military organizations across the world are equipped with scalable, cost‑effective training that keeps pace with modern mission demands.

This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

From: Kratos Defense