Engine Programs Buyer - Strategic Sourcing & Supply

Columbia Helicopters; Aurora (OR); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Helicopters is seeking a Buyer for Engine Programs to plan, source, purchase, and expedite materials and services for CT-58, T-55, and 5512 engine programs. You will coordinate with operations, maintenance, and suppliers to protect schedules and control costs.

The role requires a 3+ year background in aviation procurement, ERP/MRP proficiency, and strong Excel/Outlook skills, with a focus on compliance with aerospace standards and quality requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred in related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, or related technical environment.
• Experience purchasing aircraft engine parts, gas turbine engine components, repair services, or outside processing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own purchasing execution for CT-58, T-55, and 5512 engine program requirements, including parts, consumables, tooling, and services.
• Review demand signals, work orders, forecasts, and program schedules to ensure timely PO placement.
• Issue RFQs, evaluate quotations, negotiate pricing, lead times, terms, and delivery commitments.
• Monitor open purchase orders, expedite critical shortages, resolve delivery issues, and communicate risks to stakeholders.
• Coordinate with maintenance, production, engineering, quality, and program teams to clarify technical requirements and sources.
• Maintain procurement data in ERP/MRP with supplier info, pricing, lead times, and delivery status.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships with regular follow-up on delivery, quality, and corrective actions.
• Identify supply chain risks, long-lead items, obsolete parts, and single-source dependencies affecting programs.
• Support cost-reduction initiatives, alternate sourcing, inventory optimization, and supplier performance improvement.
• Ensure purchasing activity complies with procedures, quality requirements, customer flow-downs, export controls, and aerospace standards.
• Coordinate with receiving, inspection, accounts payable, and suppliers to resolve discrepancies and invoice issues.
• Provide regular status updates on material availability, shortages, supplier commitments, and procurement risks.

Skills

Communication

Multitasking

Follow-up

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or bachelor’s degree in supply chain or related field preferred

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Columbia Helicopters is seeking a Buyer for Engine Programs to plan, source, purchase, and expedite materials and services for CT-58, T-55, and 5512 engine programs. You will coordinate with operations, maintenance, and suppliers to protect schedules and control costs.

The role requires a 3+ year background in aviation procurement, ERP/MRP proficiency, and strong Excel/Outlook skills, with a focus on compliance with aerospace standards and quality requirements.