Buyer
About The Position
RTCA is a precision aerospace and defense manufacturing group built on decades of hands-on machining expertise, with roots spanning more than 50 years. We support mission-critical commercial and government aerospace programs across North America through four U.S. Centers of Excellence operating as an integrated platform with 150+ CNC machines and a team of 250+ professionals. Unlike large organizations where roles can be narrow, RTCA offers hands-on ownership and real visibility – you understand how your work supports the team, the operation, and the end customer. Our flat structure allows employees to take initiative, grow their skills, and have their contributions recognized, while still providing the stability, advanced technology, and meaningful work of an established aerospace manufacturer. At RTCA, we believe in teamwork, excellence, and delivering with pride. One Team! One Mission! The Buyer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing purchasing functions related to Outside Processing (OSP), supporting cross-functional teams including Quality, Engineering, Planning, Estimating, Manufacturing, and Finance. This role plays a critical part in maintaining part flow through outside processors while upholding cost, schedule, and compliance objectives. The ideal candidate brings integrity, initiative, and strong interpersonal skills to support both production needs and estimating requirements in a fast-paced aerospace environment.
Requirements
- 2–5 years in purchasing or supply chain, preferably in aerospace or manufacturing.
- Independently manages routine OSP POs and vendor communications.
- Supports quote activities for Estimating and ensures timely return of processed parts.
- Assists in supplier selection and participates in performance reviews.
- Troubleshoots discrepancies in invoicing, delivery, and documentation with minimal oversight.
Nice To Haves
- Aerospace or defense industry experience.
- Knowledge of special processing certifications (e.g., NADCAP).
- Exposure to invoice and PO reconciliation in coordination with accounting.
Responsibilities
- Source and maintain relationships with vendors and processors that meet aerospace standards for quality, lead time, and cost.
- Create, manage, and track Purchase Orders (POs) for outside services such as heat treating, anodizing, NDT, passivation, and painting.
- Evaluate supplier quotations and lead time to support purchasing decisions and quoting efforts.
- Assist in cost containment and reduction by negotiating pricing and monitoring supplier performance.
- Collaborate with Shipping/Receiving to manage logistics and documentation for outgoing and incoming OSP parts.
- Review shortage reports daily to ensure Just-In-Time (JIT) support for operations.
- Resolve discrepancies in supplier invoices, deliveries, and documentation in coordination with Accounting and Receiving.
- Support the Estimating department by sourcing pricing that aligns with customer specs, terms, and timelines.
- Quickly develop a working knowledge of the company’s MRP/ERP system to input, update, and manage purchasing data.
- Ensure adherence to all company, state, and federal safety and compliance policies.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Choice of medical plan options, including a no-cost employee-only coverage plan
- HSA-eligible health plan with employer contributions
- Basic and supplemental life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- 401(k) plan with up to a 6% QACA company match
- Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and nine (9) paid company holidays
- Shift differentials for applicable off-shifts
- Discretionary bonus programs based on position and company performance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
