Buyer – Mechanical Components

Astronics Corporation; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Astronics CSC is seeking a procurement specialist to support purchasing across sheet metal, machined parts and related components, while maintaining cost control and strong inventory in a fast-paced, multi-unit environment.

Key duties include reading drawings and BOMs, issuing purchase orders, developing supplier relationships, and driving cost savings with Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing teams to ensure on-time delivery and compliance with ISO/AS processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or 3 years' work experience.
• Ability to read mechanical documents including drawings, BOMs.
• Proven cost savings, inventory turns improvement, and lean methods.
• Able to communicate effectively with all management and production personnel and build positive relationships with suppliers.
• Proficient in ERP software and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Support purchasing for sheet metal and machined parts and related components.
• Maintain cost control and inventory in a fast-paced environment.
• Issue and manage purchase orders to support manufacturing and engineering material requirements.
• Develop supplier relationships and negotiate pricing to improve cost structure.
• Identify and pursue cost-saving opportunities with cross-functional teams.
• Monitor supplier delivery performance and lead times.

Skills

Sheet metal

Read drawings

Cost reduction

ERP software

Vendor relationships

Purchase orders

Inventory control

MS Office

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 3 years' experience

Tools

ERP systems

MS Excel

Job description

Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly TelefonixPDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago's Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award.

This position is designated as onsite. The selected candidate must be willing and able to report to the Waukegan, IL locationduring scheduled work hours

Summary

Will support several Astronics business units responsible for the purchasing component like sheet metal and machined parts, while maintaining cost control and inventory in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following, and other duties as assigned.

• Requires the demonstrated knowledge of metal fabricated components including sheet metal, machined, and stamped parts with the ability to read and understand technical documents such as BOM and drawings.
• Recommend and implement cost improvement initiatives to increase margins and achieve departmental goals.
• Efficient in record keeping, physical inventory, preparing and maintaining spreadsheets, as well as weekly/monthly reporting.
• Requires individual to be able to work effectively in a demanding, dynamic environment across multiple Astronics business units
• Must be familiar with ERP software and understand the products and processes.
• Effectively develop, build and maintain strong supply chain and vendor relationships.
• Manage assigned suppliers/commodities to ensure ongoing supply and appropriate/competitive pricing
• Issues and manages purchase orders to support manufacturing and engineering material requirements.
• Pursues cost savings opportunities through collaboration with supplier representatives, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and others to support Company cost goals.
• Investigates, develops and obtains quotations from suppliers to ensure best total cost/value for assigned commodities.
• Collects, analyzes and recommends solutions to quality problems on purchased materials.
• Plans and prioritizes activities, suggests and implements process improvements.
• Supports new project/program procurement activities.
• Takes actions needed to assure on‑time supplier delivery of required goods.
• Evaluates market conditions and recommends alternate courses of action if necessary.
• Advises management of improvements on materials and equipment, price changes, marketing changes and source changes.
• Interviews supplier representatives and investigates new sources of supply for assigned purchased materials.
• Responsible for implementing and complying with all ethical and legal compliance requirements.
• Other duties & functions may be assigned to this position as needed.
• Working knowledge of ISO/9001/14000/13485 and AS9100 processes.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or 3 years' work experience.
• Demonstrate ability to read and understand mechanical document including drawings, blueprints and BOM.
• A proven track record of cost savings, inventory turns improvement, and implementation of modern supply chain management approaches (including JIT, Vendor Managed Inventory, and Lean Manufacturing).
• Able to communicate effectively with all management and production personnel, and can quickly and effectively build positive relationships at all levels within the organization and with suppliers.
• Proficient in MS Office applications and familiar with ERP software
• Commodity knowledge in mechanical components
• Demonstrate analytical and communication skills-both written and verbal.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Requires minimal travel to suppliers

Preferred:

Certifications: CPM, CPIM or APICS preferred

• Base salary: $75,000 - $85,000, influenced by several factors including experience, skill set, education, certifications, market conditions, and business needs. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus.
• This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.

Astronics CSC provides a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees, with part-time employees potentially eligible for these benefits on a pro‑rated basis.

• Stay Healthy– Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.
• Save for the Future – 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/ 401(k) Plan is a “safe harbor” plan. Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top.
• Find Balance– Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
• Time for You– Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave.
• Professional Growth- Tuition Reimbursement Program

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world’s aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side‑side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer‑focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company’s strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets. For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit www.Astronics.com .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self‑identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Astronics Corporation’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A \"disabled veteran\" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service‑connected disability.

A \"recently separated veteran\" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An \"active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran\" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An \"Armed forces service medal veteran\" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.