What are the responsibilities and job description for the Government Buyer position at Ideal Aerosmith?
Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services.
Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.
The Government Buyer supports the government procurement process by sourcing materials, machine parts, and services needed for organizational operations. This position works with internal departments and suppliers to obtain quality products at competitive prices while ensuring compliance with applicable government and company requirements. The Government Buyer helps maintain supplier relationships, processes purchasing transactions, and supports supply chain activities that contribute to operational success.
Job Responsibilities
- Source materials, components, and services based on quality, pricing, specifications, and delivery requirements.
- Execute purchasing activities from solicitation of quotes through purchase order placement and order follow-up.
- Prepare and maintain procurement documentation, including purchase orders, supplier correspondence, and return material authorizations (RMAs).
- Communicate with quality, manufacturing, engineering, and inventory control regarding material availability and supplier issues.
- Assist with vendor negotiations related to pricing, delivery schedules, and terms and conditions.
- Support the flow-down of contract requirements to suppliers and monitor compliance.
- Maintain supplier relationships and assist in identifying and qualifying new vendors.
- Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure quality, lead-time, pricing, and contract requirements are met.
- Support corrective action efforts with suppliers when quality or delivery issues arise.
- Work with engineering, sales, and production teams to address sourcing challenges, including obsolete or long-lead materials.
- Provide material pricing information to support customer quotations and proposal efforts.
- Participate in process improvement initiatives and support compliance with changing government and industry requirements.
- Follow ISO procedures and recommend process improvements when appropriate.
- Support compliance with applicable FAR/DFARS clauses, sourcing restrictions, and documentation requirements.
- Maintain organized procurement records in accordance with company and customer requirements.
- Assist in monitoring supplier compliance with export control, cybersecurity, and counterfeit material requirements.
- Track purchase orders and long-lead materials to support program schedules and customer commitments.
- Participate in procurement status meetings and provide updates on supplier performance and material availability.
- Support supplier risk monitoring related to delivery, quality, and sourcing requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualification Requirements
- Associate Degree in Production, Supply Chain, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- 2 years’ experience in procurement type activities
- 2 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.
Skill Requirements
- 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.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation/keyboard.
- Ability to type accurately and efficiently.
Salary Range: $70,000-100,000 annually
This salary range represents a good faith estimate of the base compensation for this position. Actual base compensation will be determined based on multiple factors, including location, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s qualifications, internal equity, experience, education, skills, and prevailing market conditions. In exceptional cases, compensation above this range may be considered based on experience, skills, or business needs.
This position is eligible for a discretionary annual performance bonus based on individual and company performance. Overtime eligibility, if applicable, will be determined in accordance with federal and state law.
Ideal Aerosmith additionally offers a comprehensive benefits program, which includes health, dental, vision, and voluntary benefits; 401K with company match; company-paid holidays; every other Friday off; and paid time off for vacation and personal time.
Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.
Salary : $70,000 - $100,000