Aerospace Buyer

Job Title: Buyer

Job Description

The Buyer supports both indirect and direct procurement for operations and engineering teams by sourcing, purchasing, and managing vendor relationships to ensure the timely delivery of high‑quality materials and services. This role works closely with internal stakeholders, particularly engineering, to support new product proposals and continuous improvement initiatives in cost, quality, and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full procurement cycle, including requests for proposal (RFPs), purchase orders, and ongoing supplier needs.
• Source and evaluate vendors, negotiate pricing and terms, and resolve conflicts to maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to support procurement for new product proposals and ongoing production requirements.
• Ensure all purchasing and transportation activities comply with applicable regulatory standards and internal policies.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, quality enhancement, and on‑time delivery.
• Manage and maintain the approved vendor list, including tracking and updating required certifications and documentation.
• Communicate regularly with vendors, internal managers, and customers in a professional manner, holding vendors accountable to contractual obligations.
• Plan and coordinate inventory needs in alignment with production schedules and operational requirements.
• Perform inventory checks in the warehouse to verify stock levels and ensure materials availability.
• Occasionally move parts and materials physically, including using a pallet jack to lift and move items and equipment.
• Set up materials and parts for vendors as needed to support operational and engineering activities.
• Provide responsive customer service to internal stakeholders by addressing procurement issues and resolving supply disruptions.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation using Microsoft Office, Excel, and Google Sheets to track purchasing activities and vendor performance.

Essential Skills

• 1–3 years of procurement or buying experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including heavy use of Excel.
• Proficiency with Google Sheets and other computer-based tools.
• Experience in purchasing, inventory management, and planning/scheduling.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with customers, vendors, and internal managers.
• Ability to hold vendors accountable to contracts and performance expectations.
• Customer service orientation with strong people skills.
• Ability to physically move parts and materials and navigate the parts and warehouse areas as needed.
• Capability to use a pallet jack to lift and move items and equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the aerospace industry.
• Management experience or demonstrated management skills.
• Personable, collaborative, and easy to work with.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to support continuous improvement in cost, quality, and delivery.
• Comfortable working in a computer-heavy environment with extensive desk-based tasks.
• Eligibility to participate in benefits such as 401(k) with matching, dental insurance, health insurance, life insurance, paid time off, and vision insurance, subject to employer policies.

Work Environment

The Buyer works primarily in an office setting and is mostly desk-bound, performing computer-heavy tasks throughout the day using Microsoft Office, Excel, and Google Sheets. The role includes regular movement between the office and warehouse for interspersed inventory checks and physical handling of parts and materials. The employee regularly lifts and moves items and equipment using a pallet jack and sets up materials for vendors as needed. Typical work hours are 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The position reports directly to the Manager of Planning and Quality and operates in a collaborative environment that values clear communication, professionalism, and strong working relationships across operations, engineering, and supplier networks.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Auburn, WA.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Auburn,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026.

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 astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com 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.