Senior Buyer

astronautics; Oak Creek (WI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Astronautics in Oak Creek, WI seeks a Senior Buyer to lead supplier negotiations, RFQs, and POs for avionics and direct materials supporting development and production. Cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain is key to on-time delivery and cost control.

The role reports to Direct Sourcing Manager in a hybrid, on-site setup, with focus on long-term pricing, contract compliance, and supplier relationships to ensure program success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience with 3+ years procurement.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier negotiations and contract development.
• Manage RFQs and purchase orders to ensure timely delivery.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Customer Service, and Supply Chain.
• Support long-term pricing agreements and compliance with contracts.

Skills

Supplier negotiations

RFQ management

Purchase orders

ERP experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

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

High School Diploma + 3 years procurement experience

Tools

IFS ERP

Microsoft Office

Job description

What You Will Do:

We are seeking a Senior Buyer! In this role, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliable and cost-effective supply of avionics, components, and direct materials that support both development and production programs. You will lead supplier negotiations, manage RFQs and purchase orders, and build strong partnerships with key suppliers to drive performance, quality, and on-time delivery.

Working cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Customer Service, and Supply Chain, you will help secure long-term pricing agreements, maintain compliance with commercial and government contract requirements, and ensure materials are delivered in alignment with customer commitments. Your work will directly impact program execution, cost control, and overall supply chain performance.

This hybrid, on-site position will report directly to the Direct Sourcing Manager.

How You Will Do It:

• Follow a structured negotiation process to conduct supplier negotiations and contracting.
• Track KPIs and goals, monitor scorecards to measure and evaluate supplier performance.
• Evaluate, select, develop, aggregate spend, support sourcing efforts, and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure a reliable supply of materials.
• Prepare and administer bids, proposals, and commercial and government contracts in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Ensure purchase orders are administered and monitored to maintain compliance with the terms of agreements.
• Develop & sustain relationships with critical suppliers by communicating & conducting regular status and issue reviews.
• Work closely with quality to manage the disposition of defective or rejected products.
• Analyze and evaluate proposals and negotiate long-term pricing agreements.
• Negotiate commercial terms.
• Utilize ERP tools to ensure that customer deadlines are met.
• Expedite and manage purchase requisitions and purchase orders for timely delivery.
• Ensure compliance with pricing, payment terms, volume commitments, rebates, etc.

What We Look For:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Engineering, or another related field from an accredited institution.
  • Alternatively, a High School Diploma with at least three years of full-time procurement experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum five years of experience in a procurement-related function.
• Familiarity with material procurement in a lean manufacturing environment, leveraging volume spend, inventory turns, and continuous improvement tools.
• Experience working with an ERP system. IFS experience is preferred.
• Experience using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Teams).
• Exposure to methods used to drive direct material sourcing savings.
• Ability to resolve problems to attain goals and manage project timelines to meet deadlines.
• Must be able to build strong working relationships with suppliers, internal customers, and stakeholders.
• Eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.

Desired

• One or more years of experience in a procurement or supply chain-related function
• Experience in Avionics
• Knowledge of FAR/DFAR and commercial procurement regulations

Who We Are:

We are a team that designs computers, displays and electronic systems for aircraft of the future! At Astronautics, you will be part of a creative group of professionals who work on the cutting-edge of technology. We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits and the opportunity for professional growth in a collaborative environment.

Astronautics, headquartered in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, is a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of secure avionics equipment and systems for the commercial and military aerospace industry. Key product areas include electronic primary flight and engine displays, connected aircraft and cyber solutions, electronic flight bags, and certified servers for airborne applications. Services include avionics system integration and custom software for critical applications. Since its founding in 1959, Astronautics has been providing trusted, reliable, and tailored solutions to help customers achieve mission success. Astronautics is the parent company of Kearfott Corporation, headquartered in Pine Brook, New Jersey.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.