Buyer

Aston Carter•Georgetown, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Coordinates the procurement of machined and sheet metal parts, assemblies, and associated services in support of production and program requirements in a fast-paced aerospace environment where priorities and schedules frequently change. This position requires strong problem-solving capabilities, a clear sense of personal accountability for identifying and resolving issues, and the ability to effectively operate within material planning and scheduling processes (MRP/APS) while responding quickly to schedule movement. The Buyer is responsible for issuing and managing purchase orders within the Syteline (Infor CSI) ERP system, ensuring conformity with engineering specifications and quality requirements, and driving supplier performance to achieve delivery, cost, and quality objectives in support of a frequently moving build schedule. Success in this role requires proactive supplier communication, rapid follow-up, and disciplined execution to prevent schedule slips when demand signals change. Candidates must be able to read and interpret engineering drawings; experience with GD&T is preferred.

Requirements

Must be proficient with MS Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Experience using ERP/MRP systems
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and revisions for machined and sheet metal parts
Working knowledge of planning and scheduling concepts (MRP/APS, lead times, shortages, exceptions, required dates) and how purchasing actions impact the production build plan; able to respond quickly and effectively as demand signals and priorities change
Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and manage multiple purchase orders and supplier commitments in a dynamic aerospace manufacturing environment
Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to coordinate and escalate effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders (Planning/Scheduling, Engineering, Quality, and Finance)
Collaborative, task-based team mindset; willing to share workload, cross-cover commodities, and rapidly reprioritize work to support changing aerospace schedules
Strong problem-solving skills; able to identify root cause, evaluate options, and drive timely corrective actions with suppliers and internal stakeholders
Demonstrated ownership and accountability for identifying issues, driving problem resolution, and closing actions in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

AA/AS degree preferred
Syteline (Infor CSI) experience preferred
GD&T knowledge preferred
GD&T is preferred

Responsibilities

Coordinate all activities related to the procurement of assigned components, from initial intent to purchase through final delivery.
Analyze component requirements, including specifications, preferred suppliers, pricing considerations, and required delivery dates.
Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation (RFQs); evaluate supplier responses to select the most appropriate vendors.
Negotiate pricing, delivery, and terms to achieve the lowest total cost while balancing quality and schedule requirements.
Create, maintain, and revise purchase orders in the Syteline (Infor CSI) ERP system, ensuring accuracy of pricing, quantities, delivery dates, and contractual flow down requirements.
Review, open, and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, and related documentation to ensure purchasing actions align with technical, quality, and contractual requirements.
Verify dimensions, tolerances, materials, finishes, and special process requirements prior to purchase order release.
Ensure all applicable engineering notes, revisions, flow downs, and quality requirements are accurately communicated to suppliers on purchase orders.
Partner with Engineering and Quality to resolve drawing discrepancies, clarify requirements, and support change implementation.
Maintain awareness of engineering change notices (ECNs) and ensure timely and accurate updates to purchase orders and supplier communications.
Monitor supplier performance to ensure on time delivery, adherence to negotiated pricing, and compliance with quality standards.
Maintain accurate and timely procurement documentation, including purchase orders, amendments, shipping notices, and related records.
Partner with Planning/Scheduling to understand MRP/APS signals, shortage drivers, and required dates; expedite or push out orders as needed to support the production build plan.
Review and act upon reports such as Late PO, Exception, and Shortage reports, updating purchase orders accordingly.
Support Accounts Payable by assisting with invoice discrepancies and resolution.
Manage supplier quality issues by following up on Supplier Deviation Requests (SDRs), coordinating nonconformance notifications, and securing lead times for rework or replacement parts.
Contribute to a task based Purchasing team environment by sharing workload, cross covering commodities, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.