Sr. Buyer at AeroVironment

Petaluma, California, United States

AeroVironment Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Aerospace, DefenseIndustries

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or Accounting or APICS or ISM certification required (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
  • Certification for purchasing or supply chain professionals required
  • 8 - 12 years of relevant experience
  • Proven experience in various processes related to assigned commodity (e.g., CNC, injection molding)
  • Technical knowledge regarding manufacturing processes of an assigned commodity
  • Experience with purchasing practices and processes in manufacturing and engineering environments
  • Understanding of commercial and FAR/DFAR procurement rules, regulations, and laws
  • Ability to negotiate terms and pricing for materials and services
  • Proven understanding and intermediate usage of computerized MRP/ERP systems
  • Effective problem-solving, mathematical, time management, interpersonal, and communication skills
  • Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel)
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications (preferred)
  • Oracle experience (preferred)
  • APICS or ISM certification (preferred)

Responsibilities

  • Review and analyze purchase requisitions, focusing on engineering drawings and specifications
  • Coordinate purchasing activities with manufacturing, planning, and engineering departments to acquire inventory cost-effectively and timely
  • Process purchase requisitions, purchase change orders, and requests for quotes to suppliers, supporting custom engineering orders
  • Participate in maximizing procurement team's changes, part parameters, quote table maintenance, supplier database information, error report analysis, and part number/supplier code information
  • Work closely with engineering to understand and communicate specified requirements to suppliers, ensuring technical and engineering specifications are met
  • Analyze and interpret engineering drawings and specifications to procure production parts and custom components
  • Monitor cost, schedule, and scope of assigned subcontracts to negotiate terms and pricing for complex materials and services
  • Develop new supply sources when vendors and suppliers are no longer competitive
  • Manage and develop supplier relationships to reduce costs, improve and maintain quality, and ensure on-time delivery
  • Negotiate terms and pricing for larger, complex materials and services; write and complete RFQ/RFP packages
  • Work with finance to resolve accounting discrepancies timely
  • Work on procurement/material projects as assigned by the Supply Chain Manager
  • Handle complex issues requiring in-depth evaluation of variable factors
  • Exercise judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria
  • Determine methods and procedures on new assignments and coordinate activities of other personnel (Team Lead)
  • Other duties as assigned

Skills

Procurement
Purchasing
Engineering Drawings
Supplier Management
RFQ
RFP
Negotiation
Supply Chain
Technical Specifications
Cost Analysis
Vendor Development

AeroVironment

Develops autonomous robotic systems for defense

About AeroVironment

AeroVironment develops and sells autonomous robotic systems that can perform various missions without human intervention. These systems are designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce risks to personnel, and provide valuable data to users. The company primarily serves government agencies, defense organizations, and commercial clients, focusing on the defense and aerospace sectors. AeroVironment stands out from its competitors by emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility in its business practices, which not only helps the environment but also builds loyalty among employees and customers. The company's goal is to lead the market in intelligent robotic systems while promoting sustainable practices and creating new business opportunities.

Monrovia, CaliforniaHeadquarters
1971Year Founded
$20.3MTotal Funding
IPOCompany Stage
Robotics & Automation, Aerospace, DefenseIndustries
501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Health, Dental, & Vision
Health Savings Account
401(k) Account
Alternative Work Schedule
Educational and Tuition Assistance Programs
Employee Assistance Program
Sick Leave Donation
Time Off
Travel Assistance
Company Sponsored Events

Risks

Competition from European drone companies like Parrot may impact market share.
US-China trade tensions could disrupt AeroVironment's supply chain.
BlueHalo acquisition poses integration risks and management distraction.

Differentiation

AeroVironment specializes in unmanned aircraft systems for defense and commercial markets.
The company focuses on sustainability and innovation in autonomous robotic systems.
AeroVironment's acquisition of BlueHalo enhances its defense technology capabilities.

Upsides

Increased demand for Western-made drones boosts AeroVironment's market share.
BlueHalo acquisition enhances AeroVironment's competitive edge in defense technology.
Customizable AI UAVs attract new military contracts with enhanced adaptability.

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