Technical Buyer

TRD Toyota Racing Development Company; United States; On-site; USD 88,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

TRD Toyota Racing Development seeks a seasoned Technical Buyer to source, negotiate, and procure precision machined engine components for high‑performance programs, manage supplier relationships, and coordinate with engineering and planning teams.

Ideal candidates have 7–10 years in precision manufacturing, a technical degree, and ERP/MRP experience (Syspro, SAP, Oracle). Travel up to 20%; strong analytical, negotiation, and cross‑functional skills required.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years purchasing experience in a precision machining or high-performance manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing suppliers producing complex machined components with tight tolerances.
• Familiar with MRP/ERP systems in production planning and procurement.
• Knowledge of GD&T, materials, and tolerancing.

Responsibilities

• Source, negotiate, and procure precision machined components for TRD NASCAR engine programs.
• Manage supplier relationships across domestic and international partners.
• Collaborate with engineering, planning, and quality to meet technical requirements.
• Maintain purchase orders, supplier contracts, and pricing agreements.
• Analyze demand, lead times, and capacity to optimize inventory.

Skills

Supplier management

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decision making

Analytical thinking

Project management

Machining knowledge

GD&T understanding

MRP/ERP systems

Technical drawing familiarity

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related technical discipline

Equivalent experience in technical purchasing within a manufacturing environment

Tools

Syspro

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Overview Who we are Collaborative. Respectful. A place to dream and do. These are just a few words that describe what life is like at Toyota. As one of the world’s most admired brands, Toyota is growing and leading the future of mobility through innovative, high-quality solutions designed to enhance lives and delight those we serve. We’re looking for talented team members who want to Dream. Do. Grow. with us.

To save time applying, Toyota does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this position at this time. TRD inspires the hearts and minds of racing fans, Toyota team members, customers, and the driving public. We are dedicated to advancing automotive engineering and maximizing racetrack success. We partner with the finest race teams and drivers who share our passion, and our actions foster an atmosphere of excellence. In our pursuit of becoming the most respected and premier motorsports engineering organization in the world, we are looking for highly motivated applicants for our available positions. TRD is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Technical Buyer. The Technical Buyer serves as a key link between TRD's engineering vision and the global supply base, ensuring precision machined racing engine components are delivered with the quality, timing, and cost required for championship performance. This role requires strong technical purchasing expertise as well as the strategic and relationship management skills to contribute to TRD's long-term supplier development goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Source, negotiate, and procure precision machined components required for TRD's NASCAR engine programs, ensuring supplier capability, quality, delivery, and cost performance meet TRD's standards.
• Manage supplier relationships across domestic and international partners (U.S., Europe, and Japan), ensuring clear communication, consistent performance, and long-term strategic alignment with TRD's technical and quality objectives.
• Collaborate with engineering, planning, and quality departments to understand technical requirements, material specifications, and production timing for complex machined engine components.
• Develop and maintain purchase requisitions, purchase orders, supplier contracts, and pricing agreements within TRD's MRP-driven environment, ensuring timely procurement aligned with project schedules.
• Analyze MRP demand, supplier lead times, economic batch quantities, and capacity constraints to maintain optimal inventory levels while minimizing shortages and excess stock.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers based on capability, technical competence, and adherence to TRD's precision manufacturing standards.
• Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes for machining complexity, tooling capability, process control, and quality systems to ensure technical compatibility with TRD's component design requirements.
• Lead cost reduction and process and lead time improvement initiatives through value analysis, competitive sourcing, and supplier collaboration to achieve continuous improvement in cost, quality, and delivery.
• Coordinate logistics and international shipping with internal teams and external partners to ensure timely delivery and compliance with global trade and import/export requirements.
• Support new product introductions (NPI) by working cross-functionally to ensure sourcing plans and supplier readiness align with engineering and production milestones.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics (on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness) and implement corrective actions as needed to maintain high standards of reliability and accountability.
• Work closely with finance and materials teams to ensure accurate purchase order reconciliation, cost tracking, and budget management.
• Represent TRD Supply Chain in cross-department meetings and supplier reviews, providing data-driven updates and recommendations for sourcing strategy and material planning.
• Maintain compliance with TRD purchasing policies, ethical standards, and confidentiality requirements in all supplier dealings.

What you will bring

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related technical discipline.
• Equivalent experience in technical purchasing within a manufacturing environment will be considered.
• Minimum 7–10 years of purchasing experience in a precision machining or advanced manufacturing environment, ideally supporting high-performance automotive or aerospace applications.
• Proven success managing suppliers producing complex machined components with tight tolerances, multi-axis machining operations, and exotic materials.
• Hands‑on familiarity with MRP/ERP systems (Syspro, SAP, Oracle, or equivalent) in a production planning and procurement environment.
• Strong understanding of machining processes, materials, and tolerancing, including GD&T and process flow documentation.
• Experience coordinating international procurement and understanding logistics, customs, and trade compliance processes.
• Demonstrated experience in supplier evaluation, negotiation, and performance management.

Physical requirements: Ability to lift 20 lbs.

Travel requirements: Estimated at 20% annually.

Bonus if you have

• Deep understanding of CNC machining, casting, forging, and precision finishing processes.
• Knowledge of quality management systems (ISO9001, AS9100) and supplier auditing practices.
• Prior exposure to motorsport, automotive engine component manufacturing, or high-performance engineering.
• Experience in cost modeling, price analysis, and cost breakdown structures for machined components.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interface across engineering, production, and supplier organizations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams) and familiarity with technical drawings (SolidWorks, CREO, or similar preferred).

The annual base salary range for this position is $87,700.00 - $142,500.00.

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star. Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

At Toyota, we don’t just have a vision, but a group of talented, dedicated people who work hard every day to turn that vision into reality. Our mission is to build a future where everyone has the freedom to move. We believe that nothing is impossible. We have big dreams and persevere through any obstacles. We work together to create the future of mobility and make the world a better place.

Career Possibilities

Toyota is a place for people who dream big and are determined to make those dreams a reality. We encourage innovation and look for people who will challenge the status quo in order to make the world a better place. We thrive on teamwork and collaboration and know diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are not only the right thing for our people, they are a business imperative. Together, we’re empowered to forge our own paths — to be agile, curious and embrace a growth mindset and immerse ourselves in situations to gain new perspectives and to inspire bold, innovative ways of thinking and working. Our success as a company is directly tied to our team members’ success, and our collective ability to give back to society through an unwavering commitment to delight our customers and make people’s lives better. If you want to be part of the next-generation of innovations that help keep the world moving, then join us. And let’s start our impossible, together.