Senior Optics Buyer | Remote & 9/80 Schedule

Leonardo DRS; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) savings plan

Telemedicine

Flexible 9/80 schedule

Job summary

Leonardo DRS, Inc. is 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, manages complex suppliers, and has knowledge of optical materials, coatings, lenses, mirrors, sensors, and related manufacturing processes.

U.S. Citizenship is required for government contracts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years DFARS/FAR purchasing experience in Aerospace/Defense.
• 5+ years in procurement or supply chain, 3+ in aerospace/defense.
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and other U.S. Government procurement.
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems.

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 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 skills

Supplier relationship management

Communication skills

FAR/DFARS ITAR knowledge

Procurement planning

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Leonardo DRS, Inc. is 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, manages complex suppliers, and has knowledge of optical materials, coatings, lenses, mirrors, sensors, and related manufacturing processes.

U.S. Citizenship is required for government contracts.