Senior Optics Procurement Lead - Remote

Aleron; Melbourne (FL); Remote; USD 95,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Acara Solutions seeks a Senior Buyer to lead sourcing, procurement, and supplier management for optics and precision components. You will manage RFQs, supplier negotiations, and ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS and ITAR.

The role collaborates with engineering, quality, contracts, and legal to meet program objectives while maintaining supplier performance and risk controls. This is a remote role supporting U.S. defense programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or procurement or 5 years of DFAR/FAR purchasing experience in the Aerospace and Defense Industry.
• 5+ Direct experience purchasing optical components, optical assemblies, or precision electro-optical hardware is required.
• 5+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain, 3 of which need to be in the aerospace and defense industry.

Responsibilities

• 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

Supplier management

Procurement

RFQ/RFP/PO

MRP/ERP

ITAR/FAR

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or procurement

5 years DFAR/FAR purchasing experience

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Acara Solutions seeks a Senior Buyer to lead sourcing, procurement, and supplier management for optics and precision components. You will manage RFQs, supplier negotiations, and ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS and ITAR.

The role collaborates with engineering, quality, contracts, and legal to meet program objectives while maintaining supplier performance and risk controls. This is a remote role supporting U.S. defense programs.