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Buyer
- Aston Carter (Melbourne, FL)
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Job Title: Buyer
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our Supply Chain team in a dynamic and fast-paced aerospace and defense environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for the procurement of complex materials, components, and services in support of engineering and production programs. This role requires strong negotiation skills, supplier relationship management, and the ability to ensure on-time delivery of high-quality, cost-effective goods and services.
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.
Essential Skills
+ Procurement
+ Supply chain management
+ MRP/ERP systems
+ FAR/DFARS
+ Government procurement
+ Strong negotiation skills
+ Contract management
+ Written and verbal communication skills
Additional Skills & Qualifications
+ Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
+ 5+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain, preferably 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.
+ U.S. citizenship required due to government contracts.
+ Active U.S. Security Clearance (Secret or above) preferred (or ability to obtain)
+ Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), or equivalent certification preferred.
+ Familiarity with AS9100 standards and Quality Assurance processes.
+ Experience in cost analysis and strategic sourcing.
+ Experience in supporting DoD programs.
Work Environment
This position can be remote, but candidates must live within four hours of Melbourne to occasionally come into the office. The schedule follows a 9/80 work pattern, and the role requires the ability to come into the Dallas or Melbourne offices as needed.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $115000.00/yr.
DRS Laurel Technologies, (collectively referred to as “DRS” or the “Company”) offers a comprehensive program ofbenefits to its employees and their eligible dependents. If you are anticipated to be scheduled to work 30 hours or moreper week, for at least the next 3 months, you are eligible to participate in the program. Provided you are at least age 18,you are eligible for the Retirement/Savings Plan (401(k)) and ROTH (401(k)) regardless of your number of scheduledhours. Generally, eligible employees may enroll in benefits effective the first of the month following their date of hire.MedicalThe medical options are provided through United Healthcare. Prescription drug coverage is included under bothmedical plan options and is administered by CVS Caremark. Independence CDHP Option Liberty PPO Option TRICARE Supplement Plan (Not sponsored by DRS): Medical program offered through the Dept. of Defensefor active duty and retired military personnel and their families.DentalProvided through Delta Dental of VA.Voluntary VisionCoverage is provided through EyeMed Vision Care. Eye exams and lenses (including contacts) are included in the planfor service every 12 months; frames are included every 24 months.Pretax Spending Accounts (FSAs and HSA)Health Care FSA (HCFSA), Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Limited Purpose FlexibleSpending Account (LPFSA).Company-Paid Short-Term Disability (STD)DRS provides STD protection at an amount of 70% of base weekly earnings up to a maximum of $2,500 per week andmay be paid for up to 26 weeks if considered disabled.Company-Paid and Supplemental Long-Term Disability (LTD)Employees may be eligible to receive 60% of their base monthly earnings up to a maximum of $7,500 per month.Supplemental LTD will add 10% to the 60% Company-paid monthly benefit for a 70% benefit and a monthly maximumof $10,000.Company-Paid Employee Assistance ProgramBenefits include telephonic counseling, face-to-face sessions with an EAP clinician, legal and financial consultationsand access to health and wellness resources.DRS Retirement/Savings Plans - 401(k) and Roth 401(k)The Company recognizes the importance of saving for retirement and offers eligible employees the opportunity toparticipate in a 401(k) or Roth 401(k) Savings Plan. Currently administered by Fidelity, information regarding eligibility,vesting, company match, etc. will be outlined in accordance with the Summary Plan Descriptions.Paid Holidays2024 Paid Holidays are as follows: January 1st, May 27th, July 1st, July 2nd, July 3rd, July 4th, September 2nd, November28th, November 29th, December 25th, December 26th, plus one additional Floating Holiday.Vacation LeaveVacation leave is accrued based on hire date or adjusted service date with the company. Accrual begins immediatelyfollowing hire date and continues to accrue on a bi-weekly basis. The Vacation Leave accrual rates vary depending onemployee status (FT/PT), hours worked, and length of service. Carryover and pay-out options are handled inaccordance with the company’s current vacation leave policy.Health and Emergency LeaveThe Company provides paid Health and Emergency Leave to employees to be used for their health, wellbeing, as wellas for use in the event of extreme weather conditions. Health and Emergency leave begins accruing immediately uponhire date and continues to accrue in accordance with the Company’s current Health and Emergency Leave policy, on abi-weekly basis, based upon regularly scheduled hours worked.Paid Parental LeaveThe Company will provide up to four weeks (160 hours) of paid Parental Leave following the birth or adoption of a child.Adoption AssistanceDRS offers assistance benefits of up to $10,000.00 for qualified adoption expenses.Additional Benefits Tuition Assistance Program – up to 100% reimbursement for job-related undergraduate and graduate courses Student Loan Repayment Assistance – $100/month paid towards a loan by the Company until the loan isrepaid in full or until the $6,000 contribution limit has been reached, whichever occurs first. Time Off for Volunteering Program – employees may take up to nine hours of company paid VTO per calendaryear to use for volunteering for qualified charitable organization(s) Annual Performance Reviews Employee Referral Program Consumer Discount Programs Domestic Partner Benefits Employee Death Benefits Legal Insurance Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance: provided through Voya.o Wellness Benefit included in Critical Illness coverage.
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Melbourne,FL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2025.
About Aston Carter:
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.
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