Thaler Defense Systems (Thaler Machine Company)

Compensation

Full Description

Position Summary: The Buyer position at Thaler Defense Systems is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring raw materials, tooling, subcontracted machining services, outside processing (e.g., heat treating, plating, anodizing), and other production-related supplies for a precision machining manufacturing company. This role ensures timely availability of high-quality materials and services at competitive costs while supporting production schedules, quality standards, and cost-reduction goals in a fast-paced, tight-tolerance machining environment. The ideal candidate has strong technical aptitude to understand machining processes, material specifications, and supplier capabilities in metals and precision components. Essential Job Duties: • Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers for raw materials, cutting tools, fixtures, gauging, and subcontract services. • Issue requests for quotations (RFQs), analyze bids based on price, quality, lead time, and supplier reliability; negotiate pricing, terms, delivery schedules, and payment conditions to achieve best value. • Place purchase orders (POs) and manage the full procurement lifecycle, including order acknowledgment, expediting, and delivery tracking to prevent production interruptions. • Monitor inventory levels of key commodities to maintain optimal stock without excess. • Build and maintain strong supplier relationships; conduct supplier performance evaluations (on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness) and implement corrective actions when needed. • Support cost-reduction initiatives through value analysis, alternate sourcing, bulk purchasing, long-term agreements, or supplier development. • Resolve invoice discrepancies, quality issues, and delivery problems in coordination with accounts payable and quality teams. • Stay informed on market trends, commodity pricing, supply chain risks, and machining industry developments. • Ensure compliance with company policies, AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality standards, and any relevant regulatory requirements such as DFARS. Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Management, or equivalent work experience in related discipline. • 3-5 years of proven success working in purchasing, procurement, or a vendor management field. • Experience with Aerospace and Defense regulatory requirements, including AS9100, ISO 9001, and ITAR a plus. • Experience with precision machining commodities, manufacturing drawings, BOM setup, process routings, and metal finishing processes. • Demonstrated success in customer and supplier relations. • Demonstrated success in supplier negotiations. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment. • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. • Experience with ERP systems; experience with Infor Syteline a plus.