
Location
Irvine, CA
Workplace
onsite
As Senior Buyer, you will be a critical part of the supply chain team responsible for putting hardware in orbit. You’ll source and procure key materials, components, and services by converting purchase requisitions into competitive RFQs, through supplier selection and negotiation, to purchase order execution, delivery tracking, and invoice resolution. Every part you source has a job to do in space, which means your work has to be right the first time and with a sense of urgency.
This is a high-visibility, high-accountability role for someone who thrives on urgency, takes ownership, and brings structure to fast-moving programs. If you have deep purchasing expertise from aerospace, defense, automotive, electronics, medical devices, or another complex manufacturing environment, we want to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
Execute day-to-day sourcing of direct and indirect materials, components, and services to meet production requirements on time and within budget.
Own the full procurement cycle: requirements definition, supplier identification, RFQ/RFP issuance, bid analysis, negotiation, PO release, delivery tracking, and invoice approval.
Evaluate and compare suppliers on price, quality, lead time, and delivery performance; maintain and update supplier scorecards.
Negotiate pricing, terms, and lead times with suppliers; drive cost savings and value-engineering opportunities without sacrificing quality or schedule.
Identify and develop strategic supplier agreements, including long-term agreements (LTAs), stocking arrangements, and blanket orders, to reduce risk and improve cost predictability.
Partner with Engineering and Quality teams to support new-component sourcing, engineering change orders (ECOs), and accurate bill-of-materials (BOM) alignment.
Monitor supplier performance, market trends, and supply chain risks; proactively develop mitigation plans for disruptions or capacity constraints.
Develop, document, and continuously improve purchasing SOPs and processes, champion best practices across the procurement function.
Maintain accurate and compliant records in the ERP/MRP system; ensure data integrity for open orders, lead times, pricing, and supplier information.
Support supplier onboarding, including capability assessments, compliance verification, and system setup.
Participate in cross-functional projects and special initiatives as needed to support business objectives.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience in lieu of a degree.
5+ years of progressive purchasing or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated experience managing the full procurement lifecycle, including RFQ/RFP, negotiation, PO management, and supplier performance.
Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, Epicor, NetSuite, Costpoint, or equivalent) for order management and data analysis.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis functions.
Strong negotiation skills with a track record of achieving cost savings and favorable commercial terms.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple open orders and competing priorities simultaneously.
Clear, professional communication skills, for stakeholder alignment and supplier relationship management.
Analytical mindset: able to interpret spend data, cost models, and supplier metrics to drive informed decisions.
Sense of urgency and accountability; proactive in identifying issues and driving them to resolution.
Able to thrive and be effective in an ambiguous environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in aerospace, defense, or space technology supply chains.
Familiarity with AS9100, ITAR/EAR, FAR/DFARS, or other regulated procurement environments.
Experience sourcing complex commodities such as electronics/avionics, structures/composites, propulsion components, or power systems hardware.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement methodologies.
APICS CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent supply chain certification.
Experience developing or formalizing procurement SOPs and process documentation.
Senior Buyer Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000
ITAR Requirements:
This position may include access to technology and/or software source code that is subject to U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Benefits:
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees. In addition to a competitive base salary and company stock, determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, and market demand, full-time employees are eligible for:
Equity: Receive equity in Turion Space, letting you benefit from the company's success
Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.
Retirement Plans: Access to a 401(k) plan with a 3% Employer Direct Contribution to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal days, sick days, and holidays to ensure you have time to recharge.
Parental Leave: Paid parental leave following the birth of a newborn or adoption.
Emotional Wellbeing: A no-cost Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your household’s emotional health and wellbeing.
Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing internal training, workshops, and courses to advance your skills and career growth.
Team Building Activities: Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities to foster a positive work environment.
We are dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment for our team members, recognizing that our collective success is built upon the well-being and satisfaction of each individual.
Turion Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Turion Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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