Buyer II

Job Title: Buyer II Job Description
The Buyer II plays a key role in securing the materials, tools, capital equipment, IT resources, and services required to support engineering research and development through production ramp. This position is responsible for placing purchase orders, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring a reliable supply of thousands of parts used to build launch vehicles, satellite systems, and related components. The Buyer II makes daily purchasing decisions that directly influence cost, quality, and delivery performance across the organization.
Responsibilities
- Source materials and services by thoroughly evaluating vendor capability, pricing, delivery performance, and overall reliability.
- Ensure on-time delivery of all materials and consumables to support production, engineering, and operations needs.
- Own and manage the business relationship with assigned suppliers, serving as the primary point of contact for all commercial matters.
- Manage the RFQ (Request for Quotation) process to secure competitive bids and ensure the organization achieves the best possible pricing and terms for goods and services.
- Collaborate closely with Engineering teams to understand their procurement requirements and act as the primary point of contact for R&D order status.
- Provide timely status updates to material planners on purchase orders, including expected delivery dates and any changes that may impact production or project schedules.
- Negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers to meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements while supporting long-term supplier performance.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date purchase order data within the ERP system and related procurement tools.
- Support the sourcing, onboarding, and qualification of new suppliers to expand and strengthen the supply base.
- Travel domestically and internationally, as needed (up to 10% of the time), to visit suppliers, attend meetings, or support procurement activities.
Essential Skills
- At least 2 years of purchasing and supply chain experience, preferably in a manufacturing or engineering-focused environment.
- Proven experience as a Buyer, Manufacturing Engineer, or in a closely related role.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including the ability to analyze data, manage large datasets, and create reports.
- Hands-on experience working with ERP systems for purchasing, planning, and data management.
- Bachelors degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Management, or another relevant field.
- Demonstrated ability to source, onboard, and negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers.
- Strong knowledge of purchasing processes and procurement best practices.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and make informed decisions that balance cost, quality, and delivery.
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time.
- Collaborative, team-first mindset with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience supporting engineering R&D and production ramp activities through strategic purchasing and supply management.
- Background in sourcing consumables, tools, capital expenditures, IT equipment, and professional services.
- Experience working in a high-growth, technology-driven environment involving complex products such as launch vehicles or satellite systems.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail when evaluating supplier performance, pricing, and delivery metrics.
- Ability to integrate tightly with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Material Planning, and Operations.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced environment where daily purchasing decisions have a direct impact on cost, quality, and delivery performance.
Work Environment
This role operates in a dynamic, technology-driven environment that supports both engineering research and development and production operations. You will work extensively with ERP systems and advanced Excel tools to manage purchase orders, analyze data, and track supplier performance. The position involves regular collaboration with engineering, supply chain, and planning teams in an office and production-support setting. Work hours typically follow standard business hours, with flexibility required at times to support critical projects or urgent procurement needs. Occasional domestic and international travel, up to 10% of the time, may be required to visit suppliers, attend meetings, or support sourcing and negotiation activities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middle River, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $40.86/hr. 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. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middle River, MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Middle River,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.