PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking an Associate Buyer, in Torrance, CA. Job ID#212717
Pay Rate: $33 - $35/hr
Job Description:
As an Associate Buyer, you will be responsible for executing commercial off the shelf components, managing Bills of Materials (BOMs), and ensuring materials are available for teams building next-gen hardware and integrated systems. You'll be hands-on in a fast-paced environment, supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) programs and production scale-up. You'll collaborate with engineering, supply chain, quality, and program teams to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality procurement. Your attention to detail and proactive mindset will help mitigate risk and keep projects on track from prototype to full-rate production.
Responsibilities:
* Place and track purchase orders for production and prototype materials.
* Support requests for quotes (RFQs) from suppliers and help compare pricing and lead times.
* Monitor deliveries, follow up with vendors, and help resolve issues quickly.
* Maintain accurate records and documentation in ERP and purchasing systems.
* Coordinate with internal teams (engineering, production, quality) to meet build schedules.
* Support both day and evening production shifts through flexible work hours.
* Help build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
Basic Qualifications:
* Understanding of supplier risk identification, mitigation and contingency planning
* Understanding of negotiation of price and terms and conditions
Preferred Skills and Experience:
* BS degree in Engineering, Physics, Statistics, Industrial Engineering, Accounting, Economics, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
* 1+ year of experience in purchasing, supply chain, or manufacturing operations (internships or co-ops count!)
* Good written and oral communication skills
* Collaborative; capable of working across all levels of the organization
* Organized; comfortable working in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
* Familiarity with ERP or purchasing systems (we'll train you if needed)
* Willingness to read technical drawings and learn how components are sourced
* Strong communication and organization skills
* Desire to work in a fast-paced, team-focused environment
* Flexible availability to support a split shift (e.g., 10 AM - 7 PM, 12 PM - 9 PM, etc.)
Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.