Buyer

Job Title: Buyer Job Description
The Buyer plays a key role in supporting a dynamic, growth-oriented supply chain organization within a technical manufacturing environment. This role focuses on executing compliant purchase orders, managing supplier relationships, and contributing to cost savings and process improvements in support of mission-driven military and defense technology programs.
Responsibilities
- Execute and generate CPSR-compliant purchase orders based on approved requisitions, requests for proposals, bids, and other documents related to the procurement of services and materials.
- Perform a variety of general tactical purchasing duties to support ongoing supply chain activities.
- Follow through on supplier changes, including Engineering Change Notices, and ensure accurate implementation within purchasing documentation and systems.
- Communicate supplier performance to internal stakeholders and provide timely updates on quality, delivery, cost, and service issues.
- Assist in supplier negotiations and apply basic knowledge of commercial contract law, guidelines, and practices to assess, plan, and negotiate favorable terms and conditions while minimizing risk.
- Maintain sound professional relationships with suppliers and resolve issues related to pricing, quality, timing, claims, and contract disputes in accordance with service agreements.
- Understand demand and spend profiles for assigned commodity areas and provide this information as needed to support planning and decision-making.
- Track and report cost savings and cost avoidance initiatives resulting from purchasing activities and negotiations.
- Maintain current, accurate records and files of all vendor agreements and related procurement documentation.
- Manage supplier issues related to cost, quality, delivery, and customer service, and drive corrective actions where necessary.
- Serve as the primary contact between internal personnel and assigned suppliers, ensuring clear communication and alignment on requirements and expectations.
- Support, communicate, and uphold the mission, values, and culture of the company in all supplier and internal interactions.
- Collaborate closely with the broader supply chain team and cross-functional stakeholders in a manufacturing environment to support organizational growth and process improvement.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree or equivalent experience and 2+ years of experience in Purchasing.
- Experience in aerospace and defense manufacturing or automotive industry, or other technical manufacturing environments.
- Ability to understand military specifications and read blueprints.
- Ability to understand and adhere to laws pertaining to procurement, contracts, and breach of contract.
- Knowledge of price and cost analysis and the ability to apply this knowledge to supplier proposals and quotes.
- Strong negotiating skills with the ability to secure favorable terms and conditions while managing risk.
- Proficiency with purchasing and supply chain processes, including the use of ERP systems such as SAP.
- U.S. citizenship.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance within a reasonable time after starting employment.
- Ability to work effectively in a technical, manufacturing-based supply chain organization and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience working in a mission-driven military or defense technology environment.
- Background in cost analysis and procurement in complex, regulated industries.
- Comfort operating in a rapidly growing organization with evolving systems and processes.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with senior and VP-level leadership, demonstrating both polish and technical understanding.
- Strong relationship-building skills with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with significant organizational growth and change.
- Interest in career advancement and openness to future internal opportunities within a larger organization.
- Willingness to collaborate with international teams and participate in cross-border supply chain activities.
Work Environment
This role is based 100% onsite in a manufacturing operation in Germantown, MD, with no hybrid or remote option at this time. The organization follows a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off, along with a structured holiday calendar and a company shutdown period around the holidays. The Buyer works within a supply chain team of approximately 1214 employees, as part of a larger operation of about 190 employees, in an environment characterized by significant growth and more than 80 open positions. The workplace is a technical, mission-driven military and defense technology manufacturing setting that requires close team collaboration and hands-on engagement with systems and processes that are still maturing. The culture values professionalism, the ability to engage in meaningful conversations with VP-level leadership, and strong cross-functional and international collaboration, including regular interaction with teams abroad. A comprehensive benefits package is available, and the environment emphasizes opportunities for immediate impact, supply chain improvement, and long-term career growth.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Germantown, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $69000.00 - $89000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Germantown, MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 5, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Germantown,MD.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.