UNKNOWN

FEED

This role works cross-functionally with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and program teams to proactively manage supply risks, resolve delivery issues, and ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and internal procurement policies. This role is responsible for end-to-end purchasing activities with a strong emphasis on expediting, supplier coordination, and ensuring on-time material availability to support production and program schedules.

YEAR

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter. We're building the future of UAScapabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here. We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Buyer / Expeditor tolead procurement execution and supplier delivery performance in a government defense contracting environment. This role is responsible for end-to-end purchasing activities with a strong emphasis on expediting, supplier coordination, and ensuring on-time material availability to support production and program schedules. The ideal candidate has a strong background in procurement execution, supplier communication, and expediting within regulated environments. This role works cross-functionally with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and program teams to proactively manage supply risks, resolve delivery issues, and ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and internal procurement policies. Key Responsibilities • Execute and manage purchase orders for materials, components, and services in alignment with production schedules and program requirements. • Actively expedite open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery and quickly resolve delays or supply disruptions. • Serve as the primary point of contact for suppliers regarding order status, delivery commitments, and issue resolution. • Monitor and maintain accurate promise dates, delivery schedules, and order status within ERP/MRP systems. • Ensure purchase orders include all required technical, quality, and contractual flow-down requirements. • Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including shortages, late deliveries, and capacity constraints. • Coordinate with suppliers to resolve discrepancies, nonconformances, and receiving issues in partnership with quality and engineering teams. • Support supplier performance management by tracking on-time delivery, responsiveness, and fulfillment accuracy. • Collaborate with planning, production, and program teams to prioritize critical material needs and adjust order priorities accordingly. • Maintain accurate procurement records and ensure audit readiness in compliance with government regulations and internal policies. • Assist in onboarding new suppliers as needed and ensure proper documentation and compliance requirements are met. • Drive continuous improvement in procurement execution, expediting processes, and supplier communication. Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or a related field (or equivalent experience). • 5+ years of experience in procurement, buying, or supply chain operations, with a strong focus on expediting or supplier management. • Experience working in a government contracting or highly regulated environment. • Strong understanding of purchase order management, supplier coordination, and delivery tracking. • Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (Unanet, SAP, Oracle, or similar). • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data tracking. • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Preferred Qualifications • Experience in aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environments. • Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and ITAR requirements. • Experience managing supplier delivery performance and expediting in complex supply chains. • Background in resolving supplier quality or delivery issues in coordination with cross-functional teams. • APICS or ISM certification (CPIM, CSCP, CPSM) or equivalent. Key Competencies • Strong sense of urgency and ability to manage time-critical deliverables. • Detail-oriented with a compliance-focused mindset. • Excellent communication and supplier relationship management skills. • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. • Proactive problem-solver with strong follow-through. • Collaborative team player with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders. • High level of professionalism and accountability in supplier interactions. Pay range for this role $93,000-$150,000 USD What's in it for you: Benefits: <ul><li>Competitive total compensation package </li><li>Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more. </li><li>401k with company-match </li><li>4 weeks of paid time off each year </li><li>12 annual company holidays </li></ul>Why Join Zone 5 Technologies? <ul><li>Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace. </li><li>Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible. </li><li>Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement. </li></ul> If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team! In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify:

Zone 5 Technologies

Senior Buyer & Expeditor

APICS Certification

Aerospace and Defense

Business Operations

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Communication Skills

Continuous Improvement

Cross-Functional

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS)

Delivery Management

Detail Oriented

Documentation

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)

Establish Priorities

Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)

Follow Through

Government Contracts

Government Regulations

Leading Edge Technology

Maintain Compliance

Manufacturing

Microsoft Excel

Multitasking

Onboarding

Oracle

Order Delivery

Organizational Skills

Problem Solving Skills

Process Improvement

Procurement Management

Production Schedule

Production Support

Purchase Orders

Purchasing/Procurement

Quality Engineering

Record Keeping

Regulatory Compliance

Risk Management

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

Supply Chain

Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Operations

Team Player

Time Management

Time Tracking

Vendor/Supplier Evaluation

Vendor/Supplier Management

Vendor/Supplier Quality Management

Vendor/Supplier Relations

Vendor/Supplier Selection

Hire Recruits

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and executing all procurement and subcontracting activities in support of a rapidly growing manufacturing operation serving the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), government contractors, as well as commercial customers. Its product line includes motors, linear drives, digital drives, custom assemblies, and products to fit unique applications and ground-up system design and manufacturing solutions.

Trust AutomationTrust Automation has over 35 years of experience in custom motors, linear drives, digital drives, and systems which meet the unique needs of its customers. Its product line includes motors, linear drives, digital drives, custom assemblies, and products to fit unique applications and ground-up system design and manufacturing solutions.  We design, build and support control and power management systems for the most demanding defense, semiconductor, industrial automation, and medical applications.Trust Automation is an equal opportunity employer and committed to attracting, hiring, developing, and retaining a skilled, productive, and diverse workforce, personnel with competencies and experience related to the regional and State population.  Every employee has an "at-will" relationship with Trust Automation.  This means that employment with Trust Automation is at the mutual consent of the employer and the employee and is subject to termination by either party at will, with or without cause or advance notice.Job SummaryThe Purchasing Manager is responsible for leading and executing all procurement and subcontracting activities in support of a rapidly growing manufacturing operation serving the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), government contractors, as well as commercial customers. This role ensures timely, compliant, and cost-effective acquisition of materials, components, and services while meeting all applicable government contracting requirements. The Purchasing Manager will lead a team of buyers and subcontract specialists, drive supplier performance, and ensure full compliance with FAR and DFARS regulations.Duties and ResponsibilitiesTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.<ul><li>Lead all purchasing and subcontracting activities in support of government-related or commercial manufacturing programs.</li><li>Work concurrently with the compliance team to ensure FAR, DFARS, and flow-down requirements in all purchase orders and subcontracts.</li><li>Review and approve purchase orders, subcontracts, modifications, and supplier agreements.</li><li>Support proposal and estimating activities by providing pricing, lead times, and sourcing strategies.</li><li>Manage supplier negotiations, cost reduction initiatives, and long-term supply agreements.</li><li>Ensure proper documentation, audit readiness, and traceability in accordance with government requirements.</li><li>Identify, qualify, and manage suppliers capable of meeting DoD quality, security, and compliance standards.</li><li>Monitor supplier performance related to cost, quality, delivery, and compliance.</li><li>Address supplier nonconformances and drive corrective actions in coordination with Quality and Engineering.</li><li>Support supplier risk management and continuity planning.</li><li>Implement systems and processes to support rapid growth and increased government contract volume.</li><li>Leverage ERP/MRP systems to improve purchasing efficiency, visibility, and controls.</li><li>Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and subcontracting functions.</li></ul>Supervisory Responsibilities (if applicable)<ul><li>Manage, mentor, and develop a team of buyers and subcontract specialists.</li><li>Assign workloads, set performance goals, and conduct regular performance reviews.</li><li>Establish best practices, standard work, and procurement policies to support scaling operations.</li><li>Foster collaboration across Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Contracts, and Program Management.</li></ul>Position Requirements<ul><li>Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.</li><li>Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.</li><li>Demonstrated experience working with government contracts, including FAR and DFARS compliance.</li><li>Prior experience managing buyers and/or subcontract specialists.</li><li>Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.</li><li>Experience supporting DoD or other federal government customers.</li><li>Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office tools.</li><li>This position may be asked to drive for company purposes during the course of employment. If asked and agreed upon, employees must possess a valid California Driver's License and clean driving record.</li><li>May participate in the identity verification process to access secure client or government portals by authorizing certified supplier or customer management platforms to obtain information from your personal credit profile or other information, solely to verify your identity. </li></ul>Preferred<ul><li>Experience in aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing industries.</li><li>Familiarity with DCMA/DCAA audits and government compliance reviews.</li><li>CPSM, CPIM, or similar professional certification.</li><li>Experience scaling procurement organizations during periods of rapid growth.</li></ul><h4>Physical Requirements</h4><ul><li>Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person, on the telephone or virtually.</li><li>Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard, calculator or assemble/manufacture intricate items.</li><li>Seeing to read a variety of materials.</li><li>Sitting or standing for extended period of time</li><li>Physical agility to lift 20 pounds to shoulder height.</li><li>Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects.</li></ul>Pay/Salary InformationPay scale for this position -  $135,000.00 - $150,000 annually<div class="content-conclusion">By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the information provided within. You certify that the information contained in this application is correct to the best of your knowledge. You understand that to falsify information is grounds for refusing to hire, or for discharge should you be hired. </div>

Trust Automation

Purchasing Manager

Analysis Skills

Automation

Best Practices

Calculators

Contract Management

Contract Requirements

Corrective Action

Cost Control

Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)

Driver's License

Federal Government

Government

Government Requirements

Healthcare Software

Keyboards

Lift/Move 20 Pounds

Manufacturing Operations

Manufacturing Systems

Material Moving

Mentoring

Microsoft Office

Negotiation Skills

Operational Support

Performance Analysis

Performance Goal Setting

Performance Reviews

Power Management

Pricing

Project/Program Management

Semiconductors

Sourcing Strategy

Team Lead/Manager

Traceability

United States Department of Defense (DoD)

GreenHouseAPI

FULL_TIME

HOUR

The Purchaser II works cross-functionally with Engineering, Planning, Quality, Finance, and Suppliers to resolve issues, support new projects, and drive continuous improvement in procurement performance. Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry.

Buyer II Job Summary: The Buyer II is a mid-level procurement professional responsible for purchasing goods, materials, components, and services in support of production, engineering, and business operations. This role ensures that procurement activities meet cost, quality, and delivery objectives while maintaining accurate purchasing data within the ERP/MRP system. The Purchaser II works cross-functionally with Engineering, Planning, Quality, Finance, and Suppliers to resolve issues, support new projects, and drive continuous improvement in procurement performance. Responsibilities and Duties: <ul><li>Purchase goods, materials, components, and services in alignment with cost, quality, and delivery requirements </li></ul><ul><li>Proactively communicate supply constraints, delays, or risks to internal stakeholders to minimize business impact </li></ul><ul><li>Serve as a primary interface between Suppliers and internal departments on purchasing processes, new projects, and ongoing activities </li></ul><ul><li>Collaborate with Engineering and Suppliers to reduce material costs and improve quality </li></ul><ul><li>Ensure Purchase Order due dates, pricing, and terms are accurate and valid </li></ul><ul><li>Maintain accurate cost, lead time, and supplier data within the ERP/MRP system </li></ul><ul><li>Work with Planning and Engineering to implement and support engineering changes </li></ul><ul><li>Support ERP/MRP system development, implementation, and ongoing improvements </li></ul><ul><li>Identify and resolve procurement-related issues, including shortages, supplier performance, and system discrepancies </li></ul><ul><li>Partner with Suppliers and Engineering to resolve material quality issues </li></ul><ul><li>Work with Finance to resolve accounts payable and invoice discrepancies </li></ul><ul><li>Perform work primarily in an office environment </li></ul>Required Qualifications and Skills:<ul><li>High School diploma or equivalent required; AA or BS degree preferred </li></ul><ul><li>1–3 years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment </li></ul><ul><li>Hands-on experience using a formal MRP/ERP system for procurement activities </li></ul><ul><li>Ability to read, understand, and analyze MRP reports and time-phased requirements </li></ul><ul><li>Familiarity with inventory control methods and production control techniques </li></ul><ul><li>Experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Suppliers </li></ul><ul><li>Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical documentation </li></ul><ul><li>Proven ability to negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery for materials and services </li></ul><ul><li>Strong cost analysis skills, including evaluating cost/quantity trade-offs </li></ul><ul><li>Proficiency with Windows-based computer systems </li></ul><ul><li>Ability to work independently with minimal supervision </li></ul><ul><li>Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with internal teams and Suppliers </li></ul><ul><li>Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret written, verbal, diagrammatic, and schedule-based instructions </li></ul><ul><li>Ability to work collaboratively with Engineering to define optimal procurement solutions and implement changes </li></ul>Desired Qualifications and Skills:<ul><li>APICS, NAPM, or similar supply chain certification or training </li></ul><ul><li>Experience supporting new product introductions (NPI) or engineering-driven projects </li></ul><ul><li>Familiarity with electronics manufacturing environments </li></ul><ul><li>Knowledge of commercial electronics manufacturing practices and components </li></ul>Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:<ul><li>Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families. </li></ul><ul><li>Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off. </li></ul><ul><li>Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families. </li></ul><ul><li>Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage. </li></ul><ul><li>Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses. </li></ul><ul><li>Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future. </li></ul><ul><li>Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year. </li></ul><ul><li>Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture. </li></ul><ul><li>Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play! </li></ul>Company Overview: Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services. At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel  the aerospace industry forward. **This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA** __________________________________________________________________________ ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.   E-Verify participation required for employment.   Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.      Must be able to pass background check and drug test.     Hiring Range: $35-$43/hr Hourly Non-ExemptPowered by JazzHR

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Procurement Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

Senior Buyer & Expeditor Zone 5 Technologies

Purchasing Manager Trust Automation

Buyer II Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.

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