Senior Buyer - Optics & Aerospace (Remote)

Leonardo DRS, Inc.; California City (CA); Remote; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Health savings account (HSA)

Telemedicine

401(k) plan

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

Leonardo DRS, Inc. seeks a Senior Buyer to lead sourcing, procurement, and supplier management for optics and electro-optical components. You will work with FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and government programs to secure high-value, technically complex parts.

The role requires strong negotiation, ERP/MRP experience, and proven ability to manage supplier performance while collaborating with engineering, quality, contracts, and legal.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field; 5 years of DFAR/FAR purchasing experience in Aerospace/Defense.
• 5+ years of procurement or supply chain experience, 3+ years in aerospace/defense.
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and other U.S. Government procurement regulations.
• Experience 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 for government contracts.

Responsibilities

• Direct experience purchasing optical components, assemblies, or precision electro-optical hardware is required.
• Lead procurement activities for high-value, technically complex components 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 negotiations.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to support long-term sourcing strategies.
• Ensure supplier performance by managing delivery, quality, and responsiveness; initiate corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, program management, contracts, and legal to align with objectives and contract requirements.
• Support supplier risk assessments and improvement plans; assist in audits and compliance reviews.
• Lead or contribute to process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce cycle times.
• Ensure input of procurement data into ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Maintain records in accordance with internal procedures and government regulations.

Skills

Procurement

Sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier management

ERP/MRP systems

Contract management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

SAP

Oracle ERP

Job description

Leonardo DRS, Inc. seeks a Senior Buyer to lead sourcing, procurement, and supplier management for optics and electro-optical components. You will work with FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and government programs to secure high-value, technically complex parts.

The role requires strong negotiation, ERP/MRP experience, and proven ability to manage supplier performance while collaborating with engineering, quality, contracts, and legal.