Buyer I

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; Roseville (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is seeking an entry-level Buyer to support sourcing, bidding, negotiation, and purchase orders for assigned commodities. The role interfaces with Engineering and Production to ensure supplier quality and on-time delivery.

The candidate should have a BA/BS, 1+ years of experience, and strong MS Office with ERP/MRP familiarity. This full-time position includes benefits and a focus on growth within a defense tech environment.

Qualifications

• BA/BS required and must be detail oriented with government standards.
• Strong MS Office skills and ERP/MRP systems knowledge.
• Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent communication with peers, supervisors, and public when necessary.

Responsibilities

• Procure MRO and non-direct materials and support production schedules.
• Maintain supplier records, bids, and performance reviews.
• Engage with Engineering and Production Planners to ensure on-time delivery.

Skills

Confidential information handling

Interpersonal communication

Microsoft Office

ERP/MRP systems

Public interaction

Workplace rules adherence

Education

BA/BS

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Job Level : Entry Level (less than 2 years)
• Level of Education : BA/BS
• Job Type : Full-Time/Regular
• Date Updated : 10/09/2026
• Years of Experience : 1+ Years
• Starting Date : Invalid Date
• Travel Requirement : Domestic
• Compensation : $72,500 - $78,000
• Capabilities : Unmanned Systems
• Salary : $72,500 USD Annually - $78,000 USD Annually
• Years Of Experience : 1+

Job Description

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, jet-powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the US military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top-notch jet-powered subscale targets has established us as a go-to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

At KUAS, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Buyer is responsible for supporting the sourcing, value analysis, bidding, negotiation, selection, approval, purchase, receipt, and quality of all materials for assigned commodities. The Buyer works closely with Material Program Managers, Engineering, Materials Program Manager and Production Planners to ensure supplier quality requirements and customer delivery is achieved through accurate and timely management of purchase orders for assigned commodities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The duties and responsibilities listed below apply to all levels of Buyers. Each level of Buyer has additional duties and responsibilities listed.

• Supports the development and maintenance of effective supplier relationships to achieve company goals to include achieving schedule, reducing material lead times, improving quality, reliable delivery performance and favorable pricing.
• Obtains competitive bids as appropriate.
• Researches sources of supply and requests supplier viability data (i.e. Survey Information, ISO Certifications).
• Updates and maintains supplier records.
• Reviews, reports and updates ERP (CINCOM) data related to supplier records.
• Supports Supplier Performance Reviews by printing reports, organizing data reviews with buyers, obtaining approvals, and issuing report and cover letter to suppliers.
• Supports senior level buyers with transactions for return to vendor, Government owned property and other buyer responsibilities.
• Attends meetings both internal and with suppliers, as needed.
• Takes initiative in recognizing and proposing process improvement opportunities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities at one time.
• Demonstrated knowledge of supply chain processes
• Ability to prioritize tasks and organize workload to assure that timelines are met while having frequent interruptions.
• Ability to adjust priorities and manage time wisely in a fast-paced environment.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work area.
• Other assignments and/or projects as required.

Buyer I:

• Primary source for procurement of MRO materials and other non-direct materials.
• Utilizes system reports and other sources to meet production requirements and minimize inventory holding costs.
• Participates in the disposition of surplus, salvage, returned and discrepant materials.
• Notifies appropriate personnel when ordered material may be/or is past scheduled delivery date.
• Reviews material requirements to support production schedules and avoid expediting fees.

#LI-Onsite

Compensation: $72,500 - $78,000

Experience and Skills

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards.
• Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors.
• Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary.
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft office (i.e. Word, Excel)
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.

Buyer I:

• Ability to solve problems with assistance, resulting from the nature of items produced and purchased.
• High degree of integrity; solid judgment and initiative.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to interface well with other internal departments and outside suppliers.
• Proficiency in automated business planning and control systems (MRP), as well as MS Office applications.
• Must be detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and follow- assignments through to successful completion.
• Must be able to think analytically to complete work while meeting deadlines.
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities and be willing to seek assistance as needed from peers and/or manager.
• Must have the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Must be able to professionally handle a fast-paced work environment with competing demands and/or shifts in priorities.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Preferred:

• Working knowledge of customer flow through requirements such as FAR/DFARS, ITAR

N/A

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office and or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10-key, phones).
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• 0-10% May be required between KUAS locations and or supplier sites.
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as aprotected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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