Buyer – Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
Position Summary
The Buyer is responsible for sourcing and procuring materials, products, and services that support the manufacturing of aerospace and defense components. This role ensures on-time delivery, cost-effective purchasing, and compliance with quality and regulatory requirements while supporting production schedules and customer commitments. Purchased items may include raw materials, tooling, outsourced machining and processing, hardware, consumables, MRO supplies, and specialized services.
The Buyer works cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Program Management teams to manage supplier performance, maintain accurate ERP/MRP data, and resolve delivery or supply chain issues proactively. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, negotiation ability, attention to detail, and a commitment to operational excellence and ethical business practices.
Essential Responsibilities
• Maintain the accuracy and integrity of ERP/MRP system data, including lead times, pricing, payment terms, and supplier information.
• Analyze MRP requirements and customer demand to prepare and issue Requests for Quotes (RFQs) to suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier quotations and negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and terms to achieve cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
• Support or lead Long-Term Agreement (LTA) negotiations and ensure supplier compliance with established agreements.
• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders and order revisions within the ERP system.
• Ensure supplier acknowledgment and acceptance of all purchase orders; resolve supply or delivery issues through final receipt.
• Coordinate purchasing activities with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Project Management teams to support production schedules and inventory goals.
• Monitor open orders, shortages, and past-due deliveries; communicate risks and escalate critical issues when necessary.
• Expedite shipments and coordinate recovery plans to minimize production disruptions and maintain customer delivery commitments.
• Track purchase costs against customer quotations and escalate significant variances for management review.
• Maintain supplier performance metrics and ensure supplier certifications and documentation remain current within the ERP system.
• Communicate professionally with suppliers and internal stakeholders through email, phone, and in-person interactions.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and recommend process enhancements to improve procurement efficiency and supply chain performance.
• Coordinate supplier visits, audits, and meetings as required.
• Support compliance with company policies, export regulations, ITAR, AS9100/Nadcap standards, and other applicable requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Maintain regular and reliable on-site attendance.
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience within a manufacturing environment required.
• Aerospace and defense industry experience strongly preferred.
• APICS, ISM, or other supply chain certification preferred.
• Experience working in AS9100 and/or Nadcap-accredited environments preferred.
Technical Skills
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems required; Infor Visual experience preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Excel proficiency with pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, charts, and formulas.
• Understanding of inventory management, logistics, warehouse operations, and shipping/receiving processes.
• Knowledge of export controls, ITAR, and CMMC requirements required.
Core Competencies
• Excellent organizational, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
• Self-motivated with a sense of urgency and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with suppliers.
Preferred Experience
• Aerospace manufacturing procurement
• Supplier relationship management
• Inventory control and cycle counting
• Logistics coordination
• Warehouse management systems
• FedEx and shipping platforms
• Continuous improvement initiatives
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wichita, KS.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $27.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Wichita,KS.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026.
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 astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.