Acara Solutions has an Technical Buyer in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA for an aerospace company.
The Technical Buyer is responsible for the sourcing and procurement of specialized and engineered materials, components, and services within the aerospace and defense sectors. This role requires a strong technical background to interpret engineering specifications and collaborate closely with engineering, quality, and production teams. The buyer ensures all procurements meet strict regulatory and quality standards, including ITAR, DFARS, ISO 9001, AS9100, cybersecurity and customer specific flowdowns.
This position plays a critical role in supplier technical evaluation, cost analysis, negotiations, compliance, and strategic sourcing. As individuals progress from Level I to Level III, responsibilities expand to include managing classified materials, leading supplier audits, mentoring junior buyers, and driving continuous improvement/productivity across the supply base.
Essentials & Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to translate technical requirements into sourcing strategies.
- Procure complex aerospace and defense components, including electronic assemblies, machined parts, and specialty materials.
- Evaluate supplier technical capabilities and conduct supplier audits as required.
- Ensure compliance with government regulations and customer-specific requirements including international Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation (DFARS), and Cyber Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
- Lead supplier negotiations that incorporate technical performance metrics, cost, schedule, and contractual terms.
- Manage Request for Quotes (RFQs), Bill of Material (BOM) analysis, and supplier qualification processes for both new and existing programs.
- Perform technical evaluations of proposals, including capability assessments and cost justifications.
- Resolve discrepancies in drawings, specifications, or quality standards in coordination with Engineering and Quality.
- Resolve Accounts Payable or Accounts Receivable issues and maintain procurement records and supplier documentation in accordance with compliance standards.
- Maintain procurement records and supplier documentation in compliance with internal and external audit standards.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities through strategic sourcing, alternate vendors, or Purchase Price Variance (PPV) initiatives.
- Evaluate proposals for price reasonableness, sole-source justification, competitive bids, and compliance with the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act (formerly TINA)
Duration: 3-6 month contract
Pay: $35 - $45/hr