Buyer 1

Allen Control Systems; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ACS Equity Package

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

A cutting-edge defense startup is seeking a Buyer 1 to manage sourcing, procurement, and supplier relations for autonomous turret production. You will negotiate contracts, ensure delivery of quality materials, and conduct cost analysis to enhance supply efficiency. Candidates should possess a degree in Supply Chain Management or related fields and experience with electrical components. This role offers meaningful contributions to national defense and competitive benefits including ACS equity, health insurance, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement and supplier management with electrical components/machined parts.
• Familiarity with government procurement regulations (e.g., FAR, DFAR) is a plus.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with government procurement regulations (e.g., FAR, DFAR) is a plus.
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring they meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, and reliability.
• Negotiate terms and conditions, pricing, and contracts with suppliers.
• Conduct cost analysis and benchmarking.
• Identify potential supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure procurement activities adhere to regulations.
• Collaboration: Work with engineering, production, and logistics to align goals and timelines.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements in procurement and supply chain.

Skills

Strong negotiation skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Cost analysis

Risk management

Compliance

Collaboration

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business or related field

Tools

Procurement software

Job description

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup, founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing a small, autonomous gun turret that employs advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely target and neutralize small drones and loitering munitions. Our innovative approach requires overcoming significant technical challenges, making this an exciting and dynamic environment for experienced engineers.

With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders' successful exits from two previous ventures acquired for a combined $180M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop will have a real-world impact.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Buyer 1 responsible for sourcing, procurement, and supplier management to support the production and delivery of autonomous turrets for the DoD. Your role will involve identifying reliable machined parts suppliers, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the timely delivery of materials while maintaining the highest quality standards. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technology and strengthen national defense capabilities.

What You’ll Do:

• Supplier Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring they meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements. Monitor supplier performance and address any issues promptly
• Sourcing: Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, and reliability. Continuously seeking new suppliers to ensure a diversified supply base
• Negotiation: Negotiate terms and conditions, pricing, and contracts with suppliers to achieve cost‑effective agreements while maintaining quality standards
• Cost Analysis: Conduct cost analysis and benchmarking to identify cost‑saving opportunities and improve cost efficiency within the supply chain
• Risk Management: Proactively identify potential supply chain risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring continuity of supply
• Compliance: Ensure that all procurement activities adhere to government regulations and industry standards, especially those related to defense contracts
• Collaboration: Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including engineering, production, and logistics, to ensure alignment and support project goals and timelines
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the procurement and supply chain processes

What You Need:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, a related field or equivalent work experience
• Experience in procurement and supplier management with electrical components/machined parts
• Strong negotiation, communication, and problem‑solving skills
• Familiarity with government procurement regulations (e.g., FAR, DFAR) is a plus
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools

Physical Demands:

• Occasional standing and walking within the office.
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports.
• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies.
• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages).

What We Offer:

• ACS Equity Package
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off

Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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