Demo

Material Buyer

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Fort Walton Beach, FL Full Time
POSTED ON 4/23/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/22/2026
Job Description

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

Micro Systems Inc. (MSI), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, uncrewed arial systems and self-driving trucks. As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing systems to support National Security.

At MSI, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of autonomous technology within the defense and commercial industry today!

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Ensures a steady supply of materials for manufacturing operations and supports the company's supply chain by procuring and scheduling cost-effective, high-quality materials. Collaborates closely with Production Planners, Program Managers, and Engineers to meet supplier quality standards and customer delivery goals through precise and timely management of purchase orders for designated commodities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Supports the development and maintenance of effective supplier relationships to achieve company goals to include achieving schedule, reducing material lead times, improving quality, reliable delivery performance and favorable pricing.
  • Obtains competitive bids as appropriate.
  • Research sources of supply and requests supplier viability data (i.e. Survey Information, ISO Certifications).
  • Updates and maintains supplier records.
  • Reviews, reports and updates ERP (Costpoint) data related to supplier records.
    • Review MRP exceptions, purchase order status, and order action reports and take appropriate actions.
    • Attends meetings both internal and with suppliers, as needed.
    • Follows established QMS procedures.
    • Takes initiative in recognizing and proposing process improvement opportunities.
    • Ability to manage multiple priorities at one time.
    • Demonstrated knowledge of supply chain processes
    • Ability to adjust priorities and manage time wisely in a fast-paced environment.
      • Resolve material price variances
      • Identify alternate solutions for obsolete components and work with engineering for approval
      • Ensure timely delivery of products to support manufacturing
      • Maintain accurate and up-to-date purchasing documentation
      • Maintain appropriate lead times, minimums and multiples and vendor information for all assigned parts
      • Must be at assigned worksite during assigned hours 100% of time; less PTO, FML/STD/LTD
Other Job Functions:

  • Assist management, co-workers and finance in reconciling respective issues
  • Assist other Material Buyers as needed
  • Other duties may be assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

Experience And Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards
  • Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors and ability to lead and direct
  • Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary
  • Ability to adhere to workplace rules
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments concurrently
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong command of grammar
  • Effective time management and prioritization skills
  • Strong and pronounced problem solving and analytical skills

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • HS Diploma or equivalent
  • A minimum of 8 years of materials and/or purchasing experience in related industry
  • Advanced experience with MS Office
  • Working knowledge of MRPs and APICS
  • Working knowledge of manufacturing strongly preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Office and production environment
  • Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time
  • Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboard, mouse, phone, 10-key)
  • Ability to work effectively in a rapidly changing environment with multiple deadlines

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES

EEO/M/F/D/V

Job Benefits

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
  • Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • Paid Time-Off (PTO)
  • Holidays
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
  • Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • Paid Time-Off (PTO)
  • Holidays
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
  • Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • Paid Time-Off (PTO)
  • Holidays
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
  • Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • Paid Time-Off (PTO)
  • Holidays
  • Education Reimbursement


Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

EEO Is The Law

Disability Accessibility Accommodation
If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

Pay Transparency
The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Job Applicant Privacy Notice
For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice.

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