Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer | $90K-$110K | Palo Alto

Join us to plan, procure, and optimize critical materials for aerospace, defense, and medical technologies. Ideal for candidates with 4+ years in purchasing, supplier negotiation, or materials planning who thrive on data-driven decisions, supplier collaboration, and operational excellence.

For over 70 years, Microwave Power Products, Inc. (MPP) has powered innovation at the frontlines of aerospace, defense, and advanced medical technology. Our high-performance manufacturing and engineering teams enable mission-critical applications-from particle accelerators to radar systems-where quality and precision are non-negotiable. As part of a global network at TransDigm (TDG), MPP blends the agility of a focused site with the impact of an industry leader. We're seeking individuals who thrive in environments where compliance, security, and operational excellence intersect.

YOUR DAY TO DAY (Role Summary)

The Senior Buyer/Planner is responsible for planning material requirements, expediting orders, resolving raw material and component issues with suppliers, and managing inventory levels. This role involves supplier negotiation, pricing analysis, and cross-functional coordination to ensure timely material availability and cost-effective procurement. This position works on problems of diverse scope, requiring the use of data analysis and creative problem-solving to develop and implement effective solutions.

YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR (Responsibilities)

• Determine material requirements based on purchase requisitions and schedules; maintain inventory at optimal levels.
• Plan, schedule, and monitor material flow through the procurement lifecycle.
• Expedite orders and communicate material shortages or issues to relevant personnel.
• Evaluate supplier performance and develop alternate sources when needed.
• Perform supplier qualification audits via site visits, interviews, and documentation review.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions of purchase orders with suppliers; issue and modify POs accordingly.
• Track and report monthly supplier performance metrics for major suppliers.
• Maintain and execute inventory reduction plans; meet established inventory dollar targets.
• Represent the materials/purchasing function in planning and cross-functional meetings.
• Ensure purchasing files are accurate and compliant with accounting and legal standards.
• Document procurement activities in accordance with applicable U.S. Government regulations (FAR/DFAR), as required.
• Perform additional tasks and projects assigned.

YOU ARE THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THIS JOB IF YOU HAVE THESE PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in business, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of experience in purchasing, material planning, supplier negotiation, and component sourcing.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to evaluate cost, supplier performance, and materials data.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting schematics, pricing data, and MRP/ERP reports.
• Excellent negotiation, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Ability to draft and develop supplier contracts with minimal supervision.
• Bonus points: APICS (CPIM/CSCP) or PMA certification.

This position may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control laws (ITAR/EAR). Access to certain controlled information may be limited to individuals who qualify as "U.S. persons" (generally U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain protected individuals). Non-U.S. persons may still apply; however to be eligible for the role, access to controlled information may require U.S. government authorization.

Applicants must be able to comply with applicable export control requirements. For security clearance position, the candidate must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Security Clearance as required, holding a security clearance is a plus.

WHAT WE OFFER

Salary based on experience: $90,000 to $110,000

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous 401(k) match
• Commuter benefits within Stanford Research Park
• Complimentary EV charging
• Paid time off and holidays

OUR WORKPLACE COMMITMENT

We value the unique and diverse skills, qualities, and backgrounds that each employee brings to MPP, and we respect each employee as an integral member of our growing team. MPP is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all current and prospective employees, as well as to promoting a culture of inclusion and respect for everyone. We celebrate the innovation that diversity creates in the work environment, and we recognize that each employee brings their own unique capabilities, experiences, and perspectives to the organization. It is this variety that adds value to our teams, as well as to our stakeholders. We welcome and encourage applicants to reach their full potential with us.

MPP is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics.