What are the responsibilities and job description for the Buyer/Cost Estimator position at Bright Lights USA?
About Company:
Bright Lights USA Inc., doing business as BLUSA Defense Manufacturing, is a leading small business manufacturer of precision mechanical and electro-mechanical components for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied industries. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, BLUSA is proud to be an approved U.S. Government manufacturer and trusted defense partner. Our advanced capabilities include CNC machining, metal fabrication, welding, and electronic assembly, supported by a comprehensive quality management system certified to AS9100:2016 and ISO 9001:2015 standards. We are ITAR registered and DFARS compliant, ensuring full adherence to government and industry regulations. At BLUSA, we combine over three decades of technical expertise with a strong commitment to innovation, compliance, and customer satisfaction. Our team takes pride in producing mission-critical components that meet the highest standards of precision, reliability, and performance for the defense industry.
Why Join BLUSA:
- Contribute to meaningful work supporting national defense initiatives.
- Join a collaborative team dedicated to quality and continuous improvement.
- Opportunity to grow within a respected and expanding organization.
- Stable weekday schedule and supportive work environment.
What We Offer?
As a valued member of the team, you will be eligible to receive our total rewards package which includes:
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, & Vision Plans
- Retirement Plans
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Voluntary benefits
About the Role
Are you a detail-driven professional with a passion for precision and problem-solving? We’re looking for a Buyer / Cost Estimator to join our fast-paced manufacturing team. This hybrid role blends purchasing expertise with cost-estimation skills, making you a key player in supplier management, quoting accuracy, and ensuring timely delivery of materials and services.
You’ll thrive here if you enjoy negotiating with suppliers, analyzing costs, and working cross-functionally to keep projects on track and within budget.
What You’ll Do
Purchasing & Sourcing
- Source, negotiate, and award purchases for materials and services using ERP systems.
- Perform price analyses and evaluate proposals to secure the best total value.
- Lead bid and proposal activities with clear supplier communication.
- Document source-selection justifications and maintain compliance.
- Partner with internal teams and suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and quality.
- Monitor and manage supplier performance across cost, schedule, and quality metrics.
Estimating
- Review proposals, drawings, and specifications to prepare accurate cost estimates.
- Identify labor, material, and time requirements with detailed cost breakdowns.
- Investigate and resolve discrepancies through data-driven analysis.
- Provide clear, professional communication to internal teams and external customers.
- Use market data to support quoting accuracy and competitiveness.
What We’re Looking For
Core Competencies
- Sharp attention to detail and analytical mindset.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
- Strong problem-solving and independent judgment skills.
- Logical thinker with excellent information processing abilities.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
Qualifications
Required:
- 1-3 years of purchasing or supply chain experience in manufacturing.
- Ability to read and understand technical drawings/documents.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Preferred:
- 10 years estimating experience in mechanical/electrical manufacturing.
- 5 years machining and fabrication experience.
- Knowledge of machining processes and metal properties.
- Supplier negotiation experience.
- Mechanical or electrical background.
Communication Skills
- Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
- Confident presenting information to management, peers, and production teams.
- Skilled at responding to supplier, customer, and stakeholder inquiries.
- Ability to communicate sourcing issues and risks promptly.