Senior Buyer

Leonardo DRS, Inc.; Melbourne (FL); Remote; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo DRS in Melbourne, FL is seeking an experienced Buyer III to join our Supply Chain team in a fast-paced aerospace environment. This role manages procurement of complex materials and services, emphasizes negotiation, supplier management, and on-time delivery to support engineering and production programs.

The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of DFARS/FAR purchasing experience in aerospace/defense, strong knowledge of ITAR and ERP/MRP systems, and proven

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related field.
• 5+ years of DFARS/FAR purchasing experience in Aerospace/Defense.
• Experience with FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and government procurement regulations.
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems (SAP, Oracle).
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Execute procurement activities for high-value, technically complex components and assemblies.
• Analyze MRP/ERP demand and issue RFQs, RFPs, and POs to qualified suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier quotes for technical compliance, cost, and delivery.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to support long-term sourcing initiatives.
• Ensure supplier performance by actively managing delivery, quality, and responsiveness; initiate corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, program management, contracts, and legal to ensure alignment with program objectives and contract requirements.
• Support supplier risk assessments, mitigation strategies, and improvement plans.
• Assist in audits and compliance reviews related to purchasing activities and documentation.
• Lead or contribute to process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce cycle times.
• Ensure accurate and timely input of procurement data into ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Maintain records in accordance with internal procedures and government regulations.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle ERP

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

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Senior Buyer

Location: Melbourne, FL, US, 32935

Job ID:115712

The Electro Optical InfraredSystems (EOIS) line of business within DRS has locations in Dallas and Austin, TX, Melbourne, FL, and Cypress, CA. EOIS develops, manufactures, and supports infrared and electro-optical solutions for soldiers, ground vehicles and airborneplatforms. We offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance.

Employing the world’s brightest. Supporting the world’s bravest.

Business Unit: EOIS
Career Functional Area: Supply Chain
Telework Type: Remote
Schedule: 9/80
Shift: 1st

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Buyer III to join our Supply Chain team within a dynamic and fast-paced aerospace and defense environment. The Buyer III will be responsible for the procurement of complex materials, components, and services in support of engineering and production programs. This role requires strong negotiation skills, supplier relationship management, and the ability to ensure on-time delivery of high-quality, cost-effective goods and services.

Job Responsibilities

• Execute procurement activities for high-value, technically complex components and assemblies, in accordance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and company policy.
• Analyze MRP/ERP demand and issue RFQs, RFPs, and POs to qualified suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier quotes for technical compliance, cost, and delivery; perform cost/price analysis and support fact-finding and negotiation efforts.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to support long-term strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Ensure supplier performance by actively managing delivery, quality, and responsiveness; initiate corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, program management, contracts, and legal to ensure alignment with program objectives and contract requirements.
• Support supplier risk assessments, mitigation strategies, and improvement plans.
• Assist in audits and compliance reviews related to purchasing activities and documentation.
• Lead or contribute to process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce cycle times.
• Ensure accurate and timely input of procurement data into ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Maintain records in accordance with internal procedures and government regulations.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related field and 5 years of DFAR/FAR purchasing experience in the Aerospace and Defense Industry
• 5+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain, 3 of which need to be in the aerospace and defense industry.
• Strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and other U.S. Government procurement regulations.
• Experience working with MRP/ERP systems.
• Proven ability to negotiate, manage contracts, and resolve supplier performance issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship required due to government contracts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active U.S. Security Clearance (Secret or above).
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), or equivalent certification.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO standards, and Quality Assurance processes.
• Experience in cost analysis and strategic sourcing.
• Background in supporting DoD programs.

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

- Integrity
- Agility
- Excellence
- Customer Focus
- Community & Respect
- Innovation

We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.