Senior Buyer

Beaver Aerospace & Defense; Livonia (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary linked to perfomace

9 paid holidays

Comprehensive group insurance (HSA/FSA

Dental & Vision

401k with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Beaver Aerospace & Defense, a Héroux‑Devtek company, seeks a Buyer/Senior Buyer to source specialty metals, forgings, and precision components for flight‑critical aerospace products. You will negotiate with suppliers, manage long‑lead material in a low‑volume, high‑mix environment, and ensure AS9100, ITAR, and DFARS compliance. Level based on experience.

Responsibilities include RFQ leadership, supplier performance management, and coordination with production planning to meet schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience as a Buyer, Buyer/Planner, Purchasing Agent, or Contract Specialist in aerospace, defense, or government procurement.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, ITAR, and DFARS requirements, including purchase order flowdowns.
• Experience purchasing metals, machined components, or outside processing.
• Experience managing long‑lead material in a low‑volume, high‑mix environment.
• Experience running RFQs and negotiating price and lead time with suppliers.
• Working knowledge of SAP, Oracle, or comparable ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and follow‑through skills.
• Willingness to travel to supplier sites as required (estimated 10‑20%).
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Must meet ITAR eligibility requirements.
• Ability to move through industrial or manufacturing areas and observe safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase specialty steels and alloys, forgings, castings, precision machined components, bearings, electromechanical components, and outside processing (heat treat, plating, grinding, NDT).
• Lead RFQs and evaluate supplier quotes on price, capability, capacity, lead time, and quality; recommend awards.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and LTAs with key suppliers.
• Manage supplier performance on on-time delivery, quality, and cost; drive corrective action on late or nonconforming material.
• Identify supply risk on single-source and long‑lead items and put mitigation plans in place.
• Visit supplier sites as needed to build relationships and resolve issues.
• Flow down customer, contract, and quality requirements to suppliers on every purchase order.
• Ensure purchases meet DFARS specialty metals, ITAR, and counterfeit parts prevention requirements.
• Partner with Quality on first article inspection (AS9102), source inspection, certifications of conformance, and NADCAP‑approved special processes.
• Purchase from the approved supplier list and support new supplier qualification.
• Manage priority‑rated (DPAS) orders in line with requirements.
• Act on MRP output to place purchase orders, manage releases, and expedite material to support production schedules.
• Plan long‑lead material ahead of demand to protect delivery commitments.
• Maintain accurate planning data in ERP, including lead times, safety stock, and minimum order quantities.
• Coordinate daily with production, manufacturing engineering, and quality to align material with the schedule.
• Track and report cost savings, supplier scorecards, and open order status to leadership.
• Maintain purchasing documentation to support AS9100, ITAR, and customer audit requirements.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Excel

Travel willingness

ITAR knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

MRP systems

Job description

Héroux-Devtek, the world's 3rd largest producer of landing gear, serves the civil and military aerospace markets from production facilities in North America, Europe and United Kingdom. The Company's longevity, flexibility, and track record for the development and implementation of innovative production systems have distinguished it as a leader in the domain. With its most recent acquisitions, Héroux-Devtek is bolstering its status as one of the foremost landing gear, actuation and hydraulic system designers and manufacturers in the global aerospace industry.

Information on the Division

Located in Livonia, Michigan, spanning 3 facilities (100,000+ sq. ft.) with over 130 employees, Beaver Aerospace & Defense is one of Héroux-Devtek's centers of excellence for design, development, manufacturing, and assembly of ball screws, actuation systems and other aerospace components.

Our ball screws, ball splines, gears, and electromechanical linear/rotary actuators are custom designed to fit virtually any application with superior performance, quality and precision. In fact, our actuation solutions are installed on some of the most advanced aircraft, missile applications and mission-critical space exploration systems in the world, featuring the latest in motion control technology.

With a strong focus on custom precision manufacturing processes with machining automation and techniques, we aim to remain the best value producer of complex and precision Aerospace & Defense components.

What We Offer?

• Leaders who invest in your success, development, and growth
• A culture of true teamwork and pride in our product
• Competitive salaries linked to performance and paid time off
• 9 paid holidays
• A comprehensive group insurance plan including HSA/FSA options, Dental & Vision
• Coverage for Domestic Partnerships
• Automatic Life Insurance with supplemental options
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Opportunities for retirement savings with 401k plans including a company match
• Tuition reimbursement for relevant Certifications, Education, & Trainings
• Free access to a virtual doctor and the employee assistance program
• Social activities for all employees (BBQ, Golf, Christmas parties, etc.)
• Generous referral bonuses and advantageous recognition programs
• A motivating work environment and a human management style where you can make a difference

Summary:

Beaver Aerospace & Defense, a Héroux-Devtek company, is seeking a Buyer / Senior Buyer to source and purchase specialty metals, forgings, precision components, and outside processing for flight‑critical aerospace and defense products. This role negotiates with suppliers, manages long‑lead material in a low‑volume, high‑mix environment, and ensures every purchase meets AS9100, ITAR, and DFARS requirements. Level is based on experience. This job description indicates the general nature and level of the work expected and is not designed to be a comprehensive or all‑inclusive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Other duties may be required.

Main Responsibilities:

• Source and purchase specialty steels and alloys, forgings, castings, precision machined components, bearings, electromechanical components, and outside processing (heat treat, plating, grinding, NDT)
• Lead RFQs and evaluate supplier quotes on price, capability, capacity, lead time, and quality; recommend awards
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and Long‑Term Agreements (LTAs) with key suppliers
• Manage supplier performance on on‑time delivery, quality, and cost; drive corrective action on late or nonconforming material
• Identify supply risk on single‑source and long‑lead items and put mitigation plans in place
• Visit supplier sites as needed to build relationships and resolve issues

Aerospace & Defense Compliance:

• Flow down customer, contract, and quality requirements to suppliers on every purchase order
• Ensure purchases meet DFARS specialty metals, ITAR, and counterfeit parts prevention requirements
• Partner with Quality on first article inspection (AS9102), source inspection, certifications of conformance, and NADCAP‑approved special processes
• Purchase from the approved supplier list and support new supplier qualification
• Manage priority‑rated (DPAS) orders in line with requirements

Material Planning & Production Support:

• Act on MRP output to place purchase orders, manage releases, and expedite material to support production schedules
• Plan long‑lead material ahead of demand to protect delivery commitments
• Maintain accurate planning data in ERP, including lead times, safety stock, and minimum order quantities
• Coordinate daily with production, manufacturing engineering, and quality to align material with the schedule
• Track and report cost savings, supplier scorecards, and open order status to leadership
• Maintain purchasing documentation to support AS9100, ITAR, and customer audit requirements

Our Ideal Candidate:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3+ years of experience as a Buyer, Buyer/Planner, Purchasing Agent, or Contract Specialist in aerospace, defense, or government procurement
• Working knowledge of AS9100, ITAR, and DFARS requirements, including purchase order flowdowns
• Experience purchasing metals, machined components, or outside processing
• Experience managing long‑lead material in a low‑volume, high‑mix environment
• Experience running RFQs and negotiating price and lead time with suppliers
• Working knowledge of SAP, Oracle, or comparable ERP/MRP systems
• Strong communication, negotiation, and follow‑through skills
• Willingness to travel to supplier sites as required (estimated 10‑20%)
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship
• Must meet ITAR eligibility requirements
• Ability to move through industrial or manufacturing areas and consistently observe established safety policies, including use of appropriate personal protective equipment

Is a Plus:

• Senior Buyer level: 6+ years of experience, including negotiating Long‑Term Agreements and managing a supplier spend portfolio of $10M or more
• Government procurement experience (DLA, DCMA, or contract specialist)
• Military supply, logistics, or contracting background
• Experience with first article inspection (AS9102) and NADCAP special processes
• Experience purchasing precision motion control, bearing, or actuation components
• APICS CPIM, CSCP, or ISM CPSM certification

Work Culture and Environment

Are you known as an innovation driver? Are you looking for your next challenge and opportunity to learn & excel in Aerospace? Héroux-Devtek offers you the opportunity to work in a diverse and team‑oriented environment where skills development is a top priority. Here, employees are at the heart of the realization of the product, developed through engineering centers, factories, a service unit, and an accessible and agile head office for fast decision‑making.

Be part of a motivating top‑notch team taking Aerospace to new heights!

Candidates must meet security screening requirements as set out by ITAR directives.

Beaver Aerospace & Defense, a Héroux‑Devtek company is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Beaver Aerospace & Defense, a Héroux‑Devtek company will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Travel Required

Yes . 10%

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.