Buyer

Job Descriptions:

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Buyer is responsible for executing day-to-day procurement activities to support Engineering, Manufacturing, Test, and Program execution at Technical Directions Inc. This role ensures materials, components, and services are purchased, delivered, and documented in accordance with schedule, cost, quality, and compliance requirements.

Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, the Buyer operates within established sourcing strategies, supplier agreements, and procurement policies, translating MRP demand and program requirements into timely purchase orders while maintaining strong supplier communication and transactional discipline.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Procurement Execution & Order Management

• Execute purchase orders for materials, components, and services in support of production and programs

• Convert MRP signals, requisitions, and engineering requirements into compliant purchase orders

• Manage order acknowledgements, delivery dates, and supplier confirmations

• Ensure purchase orders reflect correct pricing, quantities, lead times, and technical requirements

Supplier Coordination & Communication

• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for assigned suppliers

• Track supplier delivery performance and proactively address delays or shortages

• Communicate supplier status, risks, and recovery actions to Supply Chain and Program teams

• Support escalation of supplier issues as required

Schedule, Material & Program Support

• Support production and program schedules by ensuring material availability

• Coordinate closely with MP&L, Kitting, and Manufacturing on shortages and priorities

• Support engineering changes by executing updated procurement requirements

• Align procurement execution with Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and build plans

Cost Control & Commercial Discipline

• Execute purchases in accordance with approved budgets, pricing agreements, and sourcing strategies

• Support cost control initiatives through price verification, quote comparison, and purchase consolidation

• Maintain accurate procurement records to support cost tracking and financial reporting

• Support the Cost Analyst and Supply Chain Manager with procurement cost data as needed

Quality, Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure purchased materials and services comply with AS9100D, contractual, and technical requirements

• Ensure proper flow-down of quality clauses, certifications, and documentation

• Support supplier quality actions including SCARs and corrective actions as required

• Ensure procurement documentation is accurate, complete, and audit-ready

Systems, Data Integrity & Digital Thread

• Execute procurement transactions accurately within ERP (Costpoint preferred)

• Maintain data integrity for purchase orders, receipts, and supplier records

• Ensure procurement data supports traceability across ERP, MRP, MES, QMS, and Program Control

• Support audits by providing complete and accurate procurement records

Continuous Improvement & Process Discipline

• Follow established procurement procedures, work instructions, and controls

• Identify opportunities to improve procurement efficiency, data accuracy, and supplier responsiveness

• Support standardization of procurement practices and templates

• Reinforce disciplined execution aligned with Supply Chain standards

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• No direct people management responsibility

• Executes procurement activities under direction of the Supply Chain Manager

• Influences outcomes through timely execution, communication, and data accuracy

Required Experience:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required

• Working knowledge of procurement and purchasing processes

• Strong organizational and time-management skills

• Ability to interpret MRP signals, purchase requisitions, and technical requirements

• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel (Crosspoint Preferred)

• Strong communication and supplier-coordination skills

• High attention to detail and documentation accuracy

• Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing environments

• Familiarity with AS9100D purchasing and supplier-quality requirements

• Experience working with Costpoint or similar ERP systems

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related discipline(Equivalent experience may be considered)

• 3-6 years of experience in purchasing or procurement

Preferred

• Experience supporting engineering or manufacturing organizations

• Experience purchasing technical or engineered components

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Office and manufacturing environments

• Frequent interaction with ERP systems and supplier communications

• May require extended hours during production surges or material shortages

• May be required to lift materials or packages up to 40 lbs

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• 0-10% as required to support suppliers, audits, or internal coordination

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.

EEO/M/F/D/V

Keyword: Procurement, Purchasing, MRP, ERP, Costpoint, Supply Chain, Supplier Management, Purchase Orders, AS9100D, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Compliance, Negotiation, Inventory, Scheduling

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

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From: Kratos Defense