Buyer/Planner

dwtusa; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Design West Technologies Inc. (DWT) in Tustin, CA is seeking a Buyer/Planner to join onsite. You will source materials, plan and manage POs to ensure on-time delivery, monitor supplier performance, resolve issues, and support budgeting and cost-saving efforts.

This role requires at least 3+ years in a manufacturing setting, ERP/MRP proficiency, and strong planning and organizational skills. Bachelor’s degree in a related field and MS Office proficiency are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or technical discipline preferred.
• Strong computer skills including Excel and MS Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate ENG, Manufacturing, QA, and Warehouse activities for new product introductions and BOM changes.
• Plan and control material flow by managing purchase orders and work orders per MRP and demand changes.
• Ensure purchase orders comply with technical specs and documentation (CoC, MTRs, packing slips, invoices).
• Monitor PO aging, OTD performance, and supplier metrics; negotiate pricing to reduce costs.
• Collaborate with Accounting on sales order docs, progress billing, and accounts payable discrepancies.
• Qualify and maintain approved suppliers and update SCM procedures to improve efficiency.

Skills

ERP/MRP

Planning & organization

Critical thinking

Lean manufacturing

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or technical discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Design West Technologies Inc. (DWT) is a leading provider of cutting-edge aerospace and military technologies. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, we specialize in designing, manufacturing, and delivering high-performance solutions for our clients worldwide. Our team comprises passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerospace and defense.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic Buyer/Planner to join our team onsite in Tustin, CA. The successful candidate is responsible for sourcing materials, planning and managing purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery, monitoring supplier and manufacturing performance, resolving issues proactively, and supporting budgeting and cost-saving initiatives.

Primary Job Duties

• Coordinate Engineering, Manufacturing, QA, and Warehouse activities for new product introductions, BOM changes, and resolution of material quality issues (MRB, RMA, RTV, rework, replacement).
• Plan and control material flow by managing purchase orders and work orders in alignment with MRP, material availability, and demand changes; expedite and adjust orders to support on-time delivery.
• Administer purchase orders to ensure compliance with technical specifications and required documentation (CoC, MTRs, packing slips, acknowledgements, invoices); monitor PO aging, OTD performance, and supplier metrics.
• Analyze inventory and forecast demand to balance supply, reduce stockout risk, and schedule supplier shipments; negotiate pricing and agreements to reduce component costs.
• Collaborate with Accounting on sales order documentation, progress billing, and resolution of accounts payable discrepancies.
• Qualify and maintain approved suppliers (NDA, W9, COI, certifications, risk assessments) and update SCM procedures to improve process efficiency.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business or technical discipline preferred.
• Strong computer skills including the ability to prepare spreadsheets and use of Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Experience/Skills Requirements

• Minimum 3+ years' experience in manufacturing environment.
• ERP systems knowledge, including MRP (Material Requirements Planning).
• Excellent planning and organization skills.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver to commitments in a fast-paced environment, motivating people to get tasks accomplished.
• Highly motivated, results oriented driven.
• Willingness to learn and apply lean manufacturing principles (e.g. 5S, Kanban, Pull system, VSM – Value Stream Mapping)
• Must demonstrate strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge ITAR regulations prefer.
• Understanding of INCO terms, payment terms and trade compliance rules.

Physical Requirements

• This job requires extensive sitting, standing and walking throughout the workday
• Lifting and moving materials up to 50 lbs.