Buyer

Company: Karman Space & Defense- Huntington Beach
Location: Huntington Beach
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Huntington Beach SUMMARY Without the strength of our purchasing team, we would not be able to offer the industry-leading service we’re known for. We’re seeking an experienced purchasing buyer professional. The ideal candidate will have proven industry experience as a Procurement Buyer preferably in a senior role. ABOUT US Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Medical, Dental, Vision Company Paid Life Insurance 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan Paid Time Off (PTO) Paid Holidays Tuition Reimbursement * ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Identify, evaluate, and build relationships with suppliers to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply chain for aerospace materials and components. Execute purchase orders for materials, parts, and services in accordance with technical specifications, quality requirements, and delivery schedules. Solicit, evaluate, and analyze supplier quotations to ensure best value and compliance with cost, quality, and delivery expectations. Source and qualify suppliers, maintaining an approved supplier base in accordance with AS9100 and customer requirements. Manage supplier relationships to ensure performance and resolve any procurement or delivery issues. Ensure adherence to government contracting requirements including FAR, DFARS, and ITAR compliance. Maintain accurate and auditable procurement documentation, including purchase orders, supplier quotes, and justification memos. Support internal and external audits by providing required documentation and data. Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions to achieve cost savings while maintaining supplier reliability and quality. Conduct cost/price analysis for materials and services to support fair and reasonable pricing determinations. Identify cost-reduction and process-improvement opportunities within the supply chain. Monitor order status and expedite deliveries to meet production and program schedules. Collaborate with planning, inventory, and production teams to manage material shortages or changes in demand. Resolve discrepancies in purchase orders, invoices, and receiving reports in coordination with accounting and suppliers. Track supplier performance metrics (on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness) and support corrective action initiatives. Participate in supplier reviews and provide feedback to ensure continuous improvement. Performs other related duties as requested. REQUIRED RESPONSIBILITIES: Self-motivated and ambitious with a clear sense of integrity, urgency and professional responsibility. Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events. Strong written and verbal communications skills. Must be able to converse with a diverse technical customer base and collect & disseminate data clearly and concisely. Ability to multi-task and work with minimal supervision Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (green card holder) or other status as a U.S. Person) EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE High school diploma or equivalent Minimum 3-5 years of experience in procurement, preferably within the manufacturing environment Understanding of industry standards, materials, and ISO certifications (e.g., AS9100, FAR, DFARS). Preferred. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks. Ability to analyze and interpret data to make informed procurement decisions. Ability to read, speak and write in English. Strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills. Knowledge of government contracting principles, cost analysis, and supplier management. Proficiency in procurement software (e.g., ERP, Epicor). Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). High attention to detail, accuracy, and compliance in documentation. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work overtime as needed to meet business needs ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations , certain positions may require applicants to 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. Learn more about the ITAR here. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Minimal travel may be required. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor 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. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment. M-F 7am - 3:30pm

Keywords: Karman Space & Defense- Huntington Beach, Poway , Buyer, Engineering , Huntington Beach, California