Senior Buyer - Optics

Leonardo DRS, Inc.; California; Remote; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Flexible work schedule / 9/80 program

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Leonardo DRS, Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to lead sourcing, procurement, and supplier management for optics and precision components. The role requires strong negotiation skills and knowledge of optical materials and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities include RFQ/RFP/PO management, supplier evaluation, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure program objectives and contract compliance. U.S. citizenship and DoD program experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
• 5+ years of DFAR/FAR purchasing experience in Aerospace/Defense.
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and U.S. Government procurement regulations.
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems.
• Proven ability to negotiate and manage contracts.

Responsibilities

• Direct experience purchasing optical components or precision electro-optical hardware is required.
• Execute procurement activities for high-value, technically complex components and assemblies per FAR/DFARS/ITAR.
• Analyze MRP/ERP demand and issue RFQs/RFPs/POs to qualified suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier quotes for technical compliance, cost, and delivery; perform cost/price analysis.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships for long-term sourcing.
• Ensure supplier performance by monitoring delivery, quality, and responsiveness; drive corrective actions.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, program management, contracts, and legal for alignment.
• Support supplier risk assessments and improvement plans; participate in audits.

Skills

Procurement

Negotiation

Supplier management

ITAR compliance

FAR/DFARS

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Oracle ERP

Job description

Job ID: 114848
Location: Remote supporting Melbourne FL
Schedule: 9/80

The Electro Optical Infrared Systems (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 airborne platforms. 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.

Job Summary

Seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to lead sourcing, procurement, and supplier management for optics, optical assemblies, and precision components. The ideal candidate has strong negotiation skills, experience managing complex suppliers, and working knowledge of optical materials, coatings, lenses, mirrors, sensors, and related manufacturing processes.

Job Responsibilities

• Direct experience purchasing optical components, optical assemblies, or precision electro-optical hardware is required.
• 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.