Senior Buyer - Aerospace & Defense Supply Chain

Antenna Research Associates, Inc.; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Antenna Research Associates, Inc. is seeking a Sr. Buyer to lead end-to-end procurement supporting production schedules and program objectives.

You will manage demand planning, MRP, supplier relations, and inventory to ensure material availability and compliance with ITAR/FAR/DFAR. The role requires 5–7+ years in procurement within manufacturing, preferably aerospace/DoD, a Bachelor's in related field, and familiarity with Costpoint.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ progressive experience in procurement, purchasing, material planning, or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment; aerospace, defense, or DoD experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing both procurement and material planning functions.
• Experience with ERP systems (Costpoint preferred) and fixed pricing agreements.
• Knowledge of electromechanical and electronic components, technical drawings, Bills of Material (BOMs), and engineering documentation.
• Technical knowledge of products, military specifications, and federal acquisition regulations (FAR/DFAR).
• Experience with supplier performance management, strategic sourcing, and contract negotiation.
• Strong understanding of inventory control, demand planning, and supply chain risk mitigation.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects influence cross‑functional teams and mentor junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Manage end‑to‑end procurement for assigned programs and production requirements.
• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders to ensure material availability and schedule adherence.
• Review MRP outputs and resolve material shortages, reschedules, and supply exceptions.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships while driving improvements in cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and commercial agreements to achieve cost and supply objectives.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks through proactive planning and supplier management.
• Expedite critical materials and resolve supplier‑related issues impacting production.
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, program management, logistics, and finance to support business objectives.
• Support sourcing decisions through supplier evaluation, market analysis, and technical collaboration.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Coordinate logistics activities, including shipment tracking and freight management.
• Maintain accurate procurement and planning data within ERP/MRP systems.
• Track key performance metrics and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, ITAR, FAR/DFAR, and applicable regulations.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior procurement and planning personnel.

Skills

Procurement

Material planning

Supply chain

A&D experience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain or related field

CPSM or CPIM preferred

Tools

Costpoint

Job description

Antenna Research Associates, Inc. is seeking a Sr. Buyer to lead end-to-end procurement supporting production schedules and program objectives.

You will manage demand planning, MRP, supplier relations, and inventory to ensure material availability and compliance with ITAR/FAR/DFAR. The role requires 5–7+ years in procurement within manufacturing, preferably aerospace/DoD, a Bachelor's in related field, and familiarity with Costpoint.