Machine and Fabrication Technical Buyer

Hitachi; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Medical benefits from day one

Paid parental leave

Unique automation projects

Engineering-driven environment

Career growth opportunities

Craftsmanship and quality focus

Job summary

JR Automation Technologies, LLC, a Hitachi Group Company, seeks a Machine & Fabrication Technical Buyer to join our Nashville, TN or Holland, MI team. You will apply advanced machining and fabrication knowledge to guide sourcing decisions and support complex automation projects.

You will evaluate supplier capabilities, collaborate with engineering and supply chain, and lead make-vs-buy analyses while building strong supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required; manufacturing or fabrication experience highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of machining and fabrication processes (machining, welding, sheet metal, structural fabrication).
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, fabrication, or project-based environments.
• Experience working with suppliers on technical manufacturing requirements, not just commercial transactions.
• Proficiency with ERP systems; Epicor experience preferred.
• Experience supporting lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong Excel, PowerPoint, and Word skills for technical analysis.
• Excellent communication; able to build credibility across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and suppliers.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% to supplier locations and JR facilities.
• Current or prior JR Automation experience, or automation industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as a technical SME in machining and fabrication, guiding design and supplier capabilities.
• Evaluate and improve machining and fabrication supplier base based on capability and quality.
• Assist with make-vs-buy decisions using internal and external capabilities to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on timelines, supplier constraints, and technical requirements.
• Apply manufacturing expertise to project BOMs, ensuring sourcing aligns with strategy.
• Support material expediting by identifying root causes with suppliers and internal teams.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships through regular technical discussions and shop visits.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms as needed.
• Collaborate with Commodity and Strategic Purchasing to deliver value across the organization.
• Share best practices in manufacturing-focused sourcing and supplier management.

Skills

Engineering

Manufacturing

Lean manufacturing

Communication skills

Supplier management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP systems

Epicor

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Location:

Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America

Job ID:

R0142149

Date Posted:

2026-09-01

Company Name:

J.R. AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

Profession (Job Category):

Customer Service & Contact Center Operations

Job Schedule:

Full time

Remote:

No

Job Description:

The Opportunity

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, delivers intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers build and move products. Our success is powered by deep technicalexpertiseacross machining, fabrication, and engineered manufacturing processes - supported by strong supply chain execution.

Why Join Us:

• Competitive wages, medical benefits starting your first day, and paid parental leave


• Opportunity to work on unique, custom automation projects


• A collaborative, engineering-driven environment


• Career growth and skill development opportunities


• A role where craftsmanship and quality truly matter

Location Type:

Onsite - Nashville, TN or Holland, MI

Role Overview:

We are seeking a Machine & Fabrication Technical Buyer to join our team in Nashville, TN or Holland, MI. This role is designed for a professional with a strong manufacturing and fabrication backgroundwho can apply that technical knowledge to guide sourcing decisions, mentor others, and ensure the right manufacturing solutions—whether internal or external—are used to support complex automation projects.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Act as a technical subject matter expert in machining and fabrication, providing guidance on part design, manufacturing methods, supplier capabilities, and feasibility, and advising on the cost, quality, and delivery impacts of manufacturing decisions.


• Evaluate and continuously improve thepreferred machining and fabricationsupplier basebased ondemonstratedtechnical capabilities, capacity, quality, and alignment to JR Automation's manufacturing needs.


• Assist withmakevs. buy decisionsusing deep knowledge of internal manufacturing capabilities and external fabrication suppliers to ensureoptimaltechnical and business outcomes.


• Collaborate cross-functionally to align on timelines, supplier constraints, delivery schedules, and technical requirements, ensuring components meet design and production needs.


• Apply manufacturingexpertiseto project bills of material, ensuring components are sourced in alignment with supply chain strategy and project requirements.


• Support materialexpeditingactivities byidentifyingroot causes and working with suppliers and internal teams to resolve manufacturing challenges.


• Build and maintain strong supplier and stakeholder relationships through regular technical discussions and shop visits.


• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and commercial terms as needed.


• Collaborate with Commodity and Strategic Purchasing teams to ensure manufacturing and fabrication sourcing strategies deliveroptimaltechnical value across the organization.


• Work alongside Supply Chain Management partners across business units to share best practices in manufacturing-focused sourcing and supplier management.

Note: This list of responsibilities is inclusive and intended as a guideline for primary activities.

What You'll Bring

• Relevant experience in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or Business, with a bachelor’s degree preferred but not required, manufacturing or fabrication experience highly desirable.


• Strong knowledge of machining and fabrication processes, such as machining, welding, sheet metal, and structural fabrication.


• Minimum of3+ years of experiencein a manufacturing, fabrication, or project-based environment, ideally supporting engineered-to-order systems or automation projects.


• Proven experience working with suppliers ontechnical manufacturing requirements, not just commercial transactions.


• Strong experience with ERP systems; Epicor experience preferred.


• Experience supportinglean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives, particularly in supplier performance and manufacturing flow.


• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word for technical analysis, reporting, and communication.


• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build credibility and relationships across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and supplier organizations.


• Willingness to travel up to10%to supplier locations and other JR facilities to support technical reviews and relationship management.


• Current or prior JR Automation experience, or experience within the automation industry, strongly preferred.

Disclaimer:

JR Automation requires candidates to successfully complete a 10-panel drug screen, physical examination, and background check.

Company Overview:

At JR Automation, A Hitachi Group Company, we discover potential, reimagine limits, and advance industry. When faced with a problem, we find a solution. Together, we push what's possible to automate for tomorrow.

Join our team of 2,000+ at one of our 20+ facilities around the world and be a part of the most experienced team of advanced automation integrators.

Fueled by Possible.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at JR Automation, please send the nature of request and contact information to [e-mail]. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.