Buyer II

Talentify; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental & Vision

Critical Illness Insurance

Accident Insurance

Hospital Coverage

401(k) Plan

Pre-tax Benefits

Roth post-tax contributions

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

HSA

Transportation Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Buyer II to secure materials, tools, and services for engineering R&D through production ramp at Wallops Island, VA. You will place purchase orders, manage supplier relationships, and influence cost, quality, and delivery performance.

This contract-to-hire role requires 2+ years in purchasing, strong Excel and ERP experience, and the ability to travel up to 10%. Onsite work with aerospace-focused teams offers exposure to launch vehicles and satellite systems.

Qualifications

• 2+ years purchasing and supply chain experience in manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Proven Buyer, Manufacturing Engineer, or related role.
• Experience with RFQ processes and supplier negotiations.
• Strong Excel data analysis and reporting skills.
• Experience with ERP purchasing modules.

Responsibilities

• Source materials and services by evaluating vendor capability, pricing, delivery performance, and reliability.
• Ensure on-time delivery to support production, engineering, and operations needs.
• Own supplier relationships as primary contact for commercial matters.
• Manage RFQ process to secure competitive bids and favorable terms.
• Collaborate with Engineering to understand procurement requirements and R&D order status.
• Provide timely status updates to material planners on purchase orders and deliveries.
• Negotiate terms to meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
• Maintain accurate PO data within the ERP system.
• Support onboarding and qualification of new suppliers.
• Travel domestically and internationally up to 10% as needed.

Skills

Advanced Excel

ERP systems

Purchasing experience

Supplier negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business Management

Tools

ERP software

Job description

About this job

The Buyer II plays a key role in securing the materials, tools, capital equipment, IT resources, and services required to support engineering research and development through production ramp. This position is responsible for placing purchase orders, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring a reliable supply of thousands of parts used to build launch vehicles, satellite systems, and related components. The Buyer II makes daily purchasing decisions that directly influence cost, quality, and delivery performance across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Source materials and services by thoroughly evaluating vendor capability, pricing, delivery performance, and overall reliability.
• Ensure on‑time delivery of all materials and consumables to support production, engineering, and operations needs.
• Own and manage the business relationship with assigned suppliers, serving as the primary point of contact for all commercial matters.
• Manage the RFQ (Request for Quotation) process to secure competitive bids and ensure the organization achieves the best possible pricing and terms for goods and services.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering teams to understand their procurement requirements and act as the primary point of contact for R&D order status.
• Provide timely status updates to material planners on purchase orders, including expected delivery dates and any changes that may impact production or project schedules.
• Negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers to meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements while supporting long‑term supplier performance.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date purchase order data within the ERP system and related procurement tools.
• Support the sourcing, onboarding, and qualification of new suppliers to expand and strengthen the supply base.
• Travel domestically and internationally, as needed (up to 10% of the time), to visit suppliers, attend meetings, or support procurement activities.
• At least 2 years of purchasing and supply chain experience, preferably in a manufacturing or engineering‑focused environment.
• Proven experience as a Buyer, Manufacturing Engineer, or in a closely related role.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including the ability to analyze data, manage large datasets, and create reports.
• Hands‑on experience working with ERP systems for purchasing, planning, and data management.
• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Management, or another relevant field.
• Demonstrated ability to source, onboard, and negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers.
• Strong knowledge of purchasing processes and procurement best practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and make informed decisions that balance cost, quality, and delivery.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time.
• Collaborative, team‑first mindset with strong communication and relationship‑building skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting engineering R&D and production ramp activities through strategic purchasing and supply management.
• Background in sourcing consumables, tools, capital expenditures, IT equipment, and professional services.
• Experience working in a high‑growth, technology‑driven environment involving complex products such as launch vehicles or satellite systems.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail when evaluating supplier performance, pricing, and delivery metrics.
• Ability to integrate tightly with cross‑functional teams, including Engineering, Material Planning, and Operations.
• Comfort working in a fast‑paced environment where daily purchasing decisions have a direct impact on cost, quality, and delivery performance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wallops Island, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $40.86/hr.

• Medical
• dental & vision
• Critical Illness
• Accident
• Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Pre‑tax contributions available
• Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Wallops Island, VA.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world‑class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry‑leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.