Sr. Government Buyer

Ideal Aerosmith•Rockville, MD

8d•$75,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Government Buyer plays an important role in the government procurement process, sourcing high-quality materials, machine parts, and services essential to the organization’s operations. This position is responsible for establishing strong vendor relationships while collaborating closely with internal teams to identify needs, research options, and recommend purchases that meet specifications and deadlines. The Buyer’s expertise will ensure a smooth supply chain, contributing to the overall efficiency and success of the organization.

Requirements

Associate Degree in Production, Supply Chain, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
5+ years’ experience in procurement type activities
5+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment preferred
Technical background or familiarity with machining, mechanical parts, or electronic components preferred.
Project Management experience preferred
Experience working with Conflict Minerals Reporting and Counterfeit Material Mitigation preferred
Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and basic government contracting processes.
Experience supporting defense, aerospace, or government-funded programs preferred.
Familiarity with ITAR/EAR, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and secure handling requirements.
Training or coursework in government procurement or supply chain (DAU, NCMA, etc.) is a plus.
Experience preparing documentation for DCAA/DCMA review preferred.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, if required by contract.
Ability to travel (domestic and internationally) and obtain a passport.
Due to federal contract requirements applicable to this position, candidates must be U.S. citizens.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and general computer applications.
Strong blueprint reading skills
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
Able to work independently
Highly organized, with strong time-management skills
Ability to interpret and apply government contract requirements, including regulatory flow-downs.
Skilled in performing basic cost/price analysis and documenting price reasonableness.
Strong understanding of supplier compliance risk, including cybersecurity, counterfeit control, and export compliance.
Proficiency maintaining accurate, audit-ready procurement documentation.

Nice To Haves

5+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment
Technical background or familiarity with machining, mechanical parts, or electronic components
Project Management experience
Experience working with Conflict Minerals Reporting and Counterfeit Material Mitigation
Experience supporting defense, aerospace, or government-funded programs
Training or coursework in government procurement or supply chain (DAU, NCMA, etc.)
Experience preparing documentation for DCAA/DCMA review

Responsibilities

Select vendors based on vendor quality criteria, prices, specifications, and delivery dates.
Execute purchasing process from solicitation of quotes to purchase order fulfillment.
Accurately complete documentation such as purchase orders, RMA paperwork, etc.
Communicate regularly with quality, manufacturing, and inventory control on material issues.
Negotiate pricing, volume discounts and long-term contracts with selected vendors.
Flow down contract requirements to vendor and ensure requirements are met.
Maintain and establish new vendor relationships in various industries including mechanical parts, machine parts, electronics, and commodities.
Initiate, lead, and implement process improvement activities for the department.
Communicate effectively with vendors and internal teams to ensure quality, lead time, pricing, and contract requirements are met.
Establish corrective actions with vendors as needed to drive improvement.
Work with engineering, sales and production to problem solve during design and purchasing process including obsolete parts.
Provide sales/quoting with material quotes for customer quotation efforts.
Participate in process improvements to address changing government and industry regulations.
Comply with ISO procedures and suggest and execute improvement changes.
Ensure compliance with applicable FAR/DFARS clauses, flow-downs, sourcing restrictions, and documentation requirements.
Maintain procurement files to DCMA/DCAA audit standards, including cost/price analysis and supporting justification.
Evaluate suppliers for ITAR/EAR compliance, cybersecurity posture (e.g., NIST 800-171/CMMC), and counterfeit-mitigation requirements.
Support program schedules by managing long-lead items, government property, and contract-driven material timelines.
Participate in program reviews/IPTs to provide procurement status, risks, and compliance updates.
Monitor and mitigate supply-chain risks related to country of origin, specialty metals, vendor reliability, and quality.
Other duties as assigned