Senior Buyer (Carlsbad)
Vulcan Wireless Inc., Carlsbad, CA, United States
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to support Department of Defense (DoD) programs. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in defense procurement, subcontract management, and compliance with FAR/DFARS regulations, ISO 9001 and ITAR compliance. This role is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers to ensure cost-effective, compliant, and on-time delivery of materials and services supporting government contracts.
Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role located in Carlsbad, CA, for a Senior Buyer. The Senior Buyer will be responsible for supplier selection and management, negotiating contracts, and ensuring timely procurement of materials to meet production schedules. Day-to-day responsibilities include analyzing purchasing needs, creating purchase orders, monitoring inventory levels, managing supplier performance, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies. The role also involves collaborating with internal teams to support company operations effectively.
Key Responsibilities
Procure materials, components, and services in support of DoD contracts.
Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, and company purchasing procedures.
Prepare and issue RFQs/RFPs to suppliers and evaluate proposals.
Perform cost and price analysis in accordance with FAR Part 15.
Negotiate pricing, delivery terms, and contractual conditions.
Flow down required government clauses to subcontractors.
Review and validate supplier certifications (COCs, material certs, country of origin).
Support counterfeit part mitigation and supplier traceability requirements.
Manage supplier performance (quality, delivery, cost).
Resolve invoice discrepancies and support audits (DCMA/DCAA).
Maintain accurate purchasing documentation and procurement files.
Manage purchasing team
Collaborate with Program Management, Engineering, Quality, and Finance teams.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field (or equivalent experience).
7+ years of procurement experience, with at least 3+ years in a DoD contracting environment.
Previous supervisory/management experience
Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS regulations and government flow-down requirements.
Experience with cost/price analysis and negotiations.
Experience purchasing electronic components, mechanical parts, or assemblies.
ERP/MRP system or FileMaker experience.
Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting DCMA audits.
Familiarity with DFARS 252.246-7007 (Counterfeit Electronic Parts) requirements.
CPSR (Contractor Purchasing System Review) experience.
Experience with small business subcontracting requirements.
Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain.
·
Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Professional Contracts Manager
(CPCM) certification
Key Skills
Government contract compliance
Supplier negotiations
Risk mitigation
Cost analysis
Documentation control
Cross-functional coordination
Work Environment
Office environment with interaction across engineering and program teams.
Occasional supplier visits or audits may be required.
Job Type:
Full-time
Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Sick time
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance
Education:
Bachelor's (Required)
Salary Range:
$110,000 - $150,000, depending on experience, relevant skills and knowledge.
Work Location
: In person
Why Join Us?
At Vulcan Wireless, Inc., you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects in a dynamic and innovative environment. We value professional growth, foster teamwork, and recognize individual contributions that drive our success.
EEOC
Vulcan Wireless, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer regarding race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS
To conform to the U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
We are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to support Department of Defense (DoD) programs. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in defense procurement, subcontract management, and compliance with FAR/DFARS regulations, ISO 9001 and ITAR compliance. This role is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers to ensure cost-effective, compliant, and on-time delivery of materials and services supporting government contracts.
Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role located in Carlsbad, CA, for a Senior Buyer. The Senior Buyer will be responsible for supplier selection and management, negotiating contracts, and ensuring timely procurement of materials to meet production schedules. Day-to-day responsibilities include analyzing purchasing needs, creating purchase orders, monitoring inventory levels, managing supplier performance, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies. The role also involves collaborating with internal teams to support company operations effectively.
Key Responsibilities
Procure materials, components, and services in support of DoD contracts.
Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, and company purchasing procedures.
Prepare and issue RFQs/RFPs to suppliers and evaluate proposals.
Perform cost and price analysis in accordance with FAR Part 15.
Negotiate pricing, delivery terms, and contractual conditions.
Flow down required government clauses to subcontractors.
Review and validate supplier certifications (COCs, material certs, country of origin).
Support counterfeit part mitigation and supplier traceability requirements.
Manage supplier performance (quality, delivery, cost).
Resolve invoice discrepancies and support audits (DCMA/DCAA).
Maintain accurate purchasing documentation and procurement files.
Manage purchasing team
Collaborate with Program Management, Engineering, Quality, and Finance teams.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field (or equivalent experience).
7+ years of procurement experience, with at least 3+ years in a DoD contracting environment.
Previous supervisory/management experience
Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS regulations and government flow-down requirements.
Experience with cost/price analysis and negotiations.
Experience purchasing electronic components, mechanical parts, or assemblies.
ERP/MRP system or FileMaker experience.
Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting DCMA audits.
Familiarity with DFARS 252.246-7007 (Counterfeit Electronic Parts) requirements.
CPSR (Contractor Purchasing System Review) experience.
Experience with small business subcontracting requirements.
Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain.
·
Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Professional Contracts Manager
(CPCM) certification
Key Skills
Government contract compliance
Supplier negotiations
Risk mitigation
Cost analysis
Documentation control
Cross-functional coordination
Work Environment
Office environment with interaction across engineering and program teams.
Occasional supplier visits or audits may be required.
Job Type:
Full-time
Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Sick time
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance
Education:
Bachelor's (Required)
Salary Range:
$110,000 - $150,000, depending on experience, relevant skills and knowledge.
Work Location
: In person
Why Join Us?
At Vulcan Wireless, Inc., you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects in a dynamic and innovative environment. We value professional growth, foster teamwork, and recognize individual contributions that drive our success.
EEOC
Vulcan Wireless, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer regarding race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS
To conform to the U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).