Senior Optical Buyer - Remote Defense Sourcing

Leonardo DRS, Inc.; Yorktown (VA); Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) matching plan

9/80 work schedule

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Leonardo DRS, Inc. is seeking a Senior Buyer to lead sourcing, procurement, and supplier management for optics and precision electro-optical hardware.

The role requires strong negotiation skills, experience with complex suppliers, and knowledge of optical materials, coatings, lenses, mirrors, sensors, and related manufacturing processes. You will collaborate with engineering, quality, and contracts to ensure program objectives and regulatory compliance, manage MRP/ERP demand, and drive process

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in related field.
• 5+ years of DFAR/FAR purchasing experience 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.

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.

Skills

Negotiation

Procurement

Supplier management

Contracts

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Oracle

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

Leonardo DRS, Inc. is seeking a Senior Buyer to lead sourcing, procurement, and supplier management for optics and precision electro-optical hardware.

The role requires strong negotiation skills, experience with complex suppliers, and knowledge of optical materials, coatings, lenses, mirrors, sensors, and related manufacturing processes. You will collaborate with engineering, quality, and contracts to ensure program objectives and regulatory compliance, manage MRP/ERP demand, and drive process