Buyer 3 - Electrical Components

Allen Control Systems•Austin, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a defense startup focused on developing an autonomous gun turret for drone and munition neutralization. We are seeking a Buyer III to manage the sourcing, procurement, and supplier relationships for electrical components, including PCBAs, connectors, and wire harnesses. This role is crucial for scaling our supply chain to meet aggressive production goals and ensuring technical compliance for our DoD clients. You will collaborate closely with engineering and manufacturing to facilitate a smooth transition from development to full-rate production, contributing to cutting-edge defense technology.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent work experience
5+ years of experience in procurement and supplier management, specifically with electrical components such as PCBAs, connectors, cables, and wire harness assemblies
Proven experience supporting production ramp and scaling supply chains from prototype to higher-rate manufacturing
Strong understanding of electrical drawings, BOM structures, and configuration control
Experience working with contract manufacturers (CMs) and electronics suppliers
Strong negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills
Familiarity with government procurement regulations (e.g., FAR, DFAR) and industry standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620) is a plus
Experience managing component lifecycle risks (e.g., obsolescence, allocation, long lead items)
Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with government procurement regulations (e.g., FAR, DFAR) and industry standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620)

Responsibilities

Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers of PCBAs, connectors, cables, and wire harness assemblies.
Ensure suppliers meet quality, cost, and delivery expectations, including adherence to IPC/WHMA standards where applicable.
Monitor supplier performance and drive corrective actions as needed.
Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers for electrical components and assemblies, focusing on technical capability, scalability, and reliability.
Continuously develop a resilient and diversified supply base that can support both prototype and high-volume production needs.
Partner closely with engineering to understand drawings, BOMs, specifications, and revision changes for PCBAs and harness assemblies.
Ensure suppliers fully understand technical requirements, including testing, traceability, and configuration control.
Develop and execute sourcing strategies that proactively align supplier capacity, lead times, and inventory positioning with forecasted production ramps.
Establish long-term supplier partnerships, capacity agreements, and dual-sourcing strategies to support rate increases and mitigate bottlenecks.
Lead negotiations on pricing, lead times, minimum order quantities, and long-term agreements for electrical components and assemblies.
Balance cost targets with quality and supply continuity, especially in the context of scaling volumes.
Conduct detailed cost analysis for PCBAs and harnesses, including should-cost modeling (labor, components, test, yield).
Identify opportunities for cost reduction through design feedback, alternate sourcing, and volume leverage.
Identify and mitigate supply chain risks specific to electronics (e.g., component obsolescence, long lead-time semiconductors, single-source connectors).
Develop strategies such as alternate parts, last-time buys, and buffer stock to ensure uninterrupted production.
Ensure procurement activities comply with applicable government regulations (FAR/DFAR), as well as industry standards such as IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, and ITAR where applicable.
Work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and planning teams to support NPI builds, production ramp, and ongoing delivery commitments.
Act as the primary supply chain interface for electrical assemblies.
Drive improvements in sourcing strategies, supplier performance, and internal procurement processes.
Support initiatives such as supplier consolidation, lead-time reduction, and scalability of procurement operations.