This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions. Click here (https://www.eba-d.com/) to learn more.
Job Description
EBAD seeks a Buyer supporting our indirect spend and production programs, reporting to the Senior Supply Chain and Logistics Manager in our Graham, KY location.
Role - Buyer (Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing)
The Buyer is responsible for procuring materials, components, and services in support of defense and aerospace production programs. The role ensures purchases meet contractual requirements, military specifications, regulatory compliance (AS9100, ITAR/EAR), and cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Sourcing & Supplier Management
Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers that meet AS9100, ISO 9001, and NADCAP requirements.
Ensure suppliers are approved in the company's Approved Supplier List (ASL) and compliant with ITAR/EAR export controls.
Negotiate terms, pricing, and delivery schedules with suppliers while adhering to FAR/DFARS clauses.
Maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure continuity of supply and long-term capability.
Procurement Execution
Issue Request for Quotes (RFQs) with all applicable drawings, specifications, and quality clauses.
Evaluate bids for compliance with Statement of Work (SOW), MIL-STD/MIL-DTL requirements, and delivery timelines.
Prepare and issue Purchase Orders (POs) with precise contract language, flow-down clauses, and quality requirements.
Monitor order status to ensure on-time delivery and resolve any schedule or quality issues.
Compliance & Documentation
Flow down all government, customer, and contractual requirements to suppliers, including quality standards and inspection criteria.
Ensure Certification of Conformance (C of C), test reports, and traceability documentation are received and meet contract standards.
Maintain procurement files for audit readiness (AS9100, DCMA, customer audits).
Comply with anti-corruption, export control, and procurement integrity regulations.
Cost, Quality & Delivery Performance
Track and report supplier Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as On-Time Delivery (OTD), quality acceptance rate, and responsiveness.
Identify and mitigate supplier risks through alternate sourcing or corrective action plans.
Support Value Engineering and cost-reduction initiatives without compromising compliance or quality.
Cross-Functional Coordination
Work closely with engineers to clarify technical requirements.
Coordinate with quality assurance for source inspection, first article reviews, and supplier audits.
Collaborate with program management and production planning to align purchase activities with project milestones.
Support finance in resolving invoices or payment discrepancies.
Skills & Qualifications
Knowledge of AS9100/ISO 9001, ITAR/EAR, FAR/DFARS procurement regulations.
Familiarity with MIL-SPEC/MIL-DTL and aerospace quality requirements.
Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (Deltek Costpoint, SAP, Oracle, IFS, etc.).
Strong negotiation, communication, and supplier relationship management skills.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and technical data packages.
U.S. citizenship and security clearance eligibility (often required for classified programs).
Example Deliverables
Purchase Orders with correct flow-down clauses.
Supplier compliance documentation packages (C of C, test data, inspection reports).
Monthly supplier performance scorecards.
Procurement audit trail for government and customer review.
Job Description - Buyer (Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing)
Position Summary:The Buyer is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and procuring materials, components, and services that meet the strict cost, quality, delivery, and compliance requirements of aerospace and defense manufacturing programs. This position ensures all purchases adhere to AS9100, ITAR/EAR, FAR/DFARS regulations, and specific contract flow-down requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Source and qualify suppliers in accordance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and NADCAP standards.
Ensure supplier compliance with ITAR/EAR and maintain documentation for export-controlled materials.
Prepare and issue Requests for Quotes (RFQs) with full technical data, drawings, and quality clauses.
Analyze supplier bids for compliance with technical, contractual, and delivery requirements.
Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to achieve program cost and delivery targets.
Issue and manage Purchase Orders (POs) with complete flow-down clauses, MIL-STD/MIL-DTL requirements, and quality control provisions.
Coordinate with Quality Assurance to arrange First Article Inspections (FAI), source inspections, and supplier audits.
Monitor supplier On-Time Delivery (OTD) and quality performance, driving corrective actions as needed.
Maintain procurement files for audit readiness (AS9100, DCMA, customer audits).
Collaborate with engineering, program management, production planning, and finance to support project milestones and resolve supply chain issues.
Required Qualifications
3-5+ years of procurement experience in aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
Working knowledge of AS9100/ISO 9001, ITAR/EAR, and FAR/DFARS requirements.
Experience with MIL-SPEC/MIL-DTL procurement and certification documentation.
Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (Deltek Costpoint, SAP, Oracle, IFS, or similar).
Strong negotiation, supplier management, and communication skills.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and technical data packages.
U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (as required by contract).
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting Government Furnished Property (GFP) or Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) procurement.
Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) impacts on procurement schedules.
Lean Six Sigma or supply chain process improvement experience.
Prior DCMA/customer interface experience.
Associates, Bachelor's, master's degree
Additional Information
Reports to: Supply Chain Manager / Purchasing Manager
Department: Supply Chain / Procurement
Location: [EBAD, Graham, Kentucky Location] Not Hybrid nor remote
FLSA Status: Exempt
Travel: Occasional, including supplier site visits and audits
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.
Ensign-Bickford Industries, (http://e-bind.com) (EBI), founded in 1836, is a privately-owned high technology conglomerate that participates in businesses that are relevant to the future of the world and have multigenerational growth prospects. As One EBI, we innovate in science and technology for the safety, health, and well-being of society, creating exceptional long-term value.
Watch the video above to learn more about some of the incredible challenges we take on every day to deliver the best product for our customers, and ultimately the world.
Ensign-Bickford Industries (EBI) is a global science and technology organization with unparalleled leadership positions in attractive industries and markets. We are EBI, positioned to take on some of the world's most complex technological and scientific challenges in diagnostics, pet food science, and aerospace and defense.
Click here to learn about our Core Values (https://ensign-bickfordind.com/ebi-core-values/)
We conduct business in a manner that reflects the highest human and ethical standards. With that commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships and a belief in the efficacy of genuine economic and social service, this cornerstone is the foundation of who we are as a company and our winning vision.
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