Buyer - Supply Chain Procurement

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Buyer II performs procurement duties related to the purchasing of services, supplies and equipment in accordance to policies and regulations. In this role, one reviews and analyzes purchase requisitions as well as coordinates purchasing activities with manufacturing, planning and engineering departments to acquire inventory in a cost effective and timely manner. The Buyer processes purchase requisitions, purchase change orders and requests for quotes to suppliers. The position works closely with Engineering, Program Management, Operations, and Quality to ensure on-time, cost-effective, and compliant material availability. Position Responsibilities Monitors the cost, schedule and scope of assigned subcontracts to negotiate terms and pricing for increasingly larger, complex and difficult materials & services Develops new supply sources where vendors and suppliers are no longer competitive Manages and develops supplier relationships to reduce costs, improve & maintain quality, and ensure on-time delivery of purchased materials Negotiates terms and pricing for increasingly larger, complex and difficult materials and services. Writes and completes RFQ/RFP package Works with finance to resolve Accounting discrepancies in a timely manner, work on procurement/material projects as assigned by the Supply Chain Manager Demonstrates ability to read and interpret technical drawings/specifications. Has technical knowledge regarding manufacturing processes of an assigned commodity and demonstrates experience with purchasing practices and processes in manufacturing and engineering environments Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action Responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the procurement of materials, components, equipment, and services in support of development, integration, and production activities Manages the end-to-end purchasing cycle from Quotes to PO placement, delivery, and invoice resolution Source, bid, and select suppliers that meet technical, quality, schedule, and cost requirements Prepare RFQs, analyze quotes, perform price/cost analysis, and negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions Monitor supplier performance and support corrective actions to address delivery, quality, or service issues Partner with cross-functional teams to align procurement plans with program schedules and budgets Support proposals and new business with pricing, lead-time, and sourcing inputs, including make/buy recommendations Identify and help manage long-lead, single/sole-source, and obsolescence risks Ensure compliance with AV policies, customer requirements, and applicable regulations (e.g., FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR) Maintain accurate procurement documentation and support internal and external audits Other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Minimum of 2 – 5 years' relevant experience Demonstrated understanding of commercial and FAR/DFAR Procurement rules, regulations and laws Demonstrated understanding and intermediate usage of computerized MRP/ERP systems Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, Excel) Demonstrated competency in negotiating terms and pricing for materials and services is required Experienced reading and comprehending drawing specification sheets is required Must have strong oral and written communication skills Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Certification for purchasing or supply chain professionals preferred (APICS or ISM certification) B.S. Degree in Business, Finance, Accounted or related discipline preferred Oracle experience strongly preferred Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills A customer-service oriented attitude is required and is skilled at multi-tasking Highly organized and strong coordination skills to meet deadlines Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company Has effective problem-solving, mathematical, time management, interpersonal and communication skills Physical Demands Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Constant) Required to sit and stand for long periods (Frequent) Required to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) Able to lift up to 10 lbs. and carry objects of varying sizes and shapes (Occasional) Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $64,500 - $98,250 AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements. Benefits : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: . We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us. Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. About AV: AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. ITAR U.S. Citizenship required