Strategic Buyer

Machina Labs is seeking a Strategic Buyer to support procurement and material planning activities for our Robocraftsman production team. This role is responsible for executing day-to-day purchasing operations, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring materials and services are delivered to specifications, on schedule, and within budget.

This individual will own the full purchasing lifecycle, implementing plans through MRP/ERP and partnering closely with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, and Finance to align our supply chain execution with production schedules and company goals. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, technical and analytical problem solving, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional manufacturing environment.

Execute day-to-day procurement activities supporting Aerospace & Defense programs.

Maintain Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) Schedule for assigned product line.

Source and support onboarding of suppliers, with a main focus on CNC & Sheet Metal Fabricators, and COTS suppliers.

Review and process purchase requisitions.

Create, Monitor, and manage purchase orders through receipt/closure, expedite critical materials, and adjust delivery schedules as production demands change.

Monitor supplier performance, on time delivery, and quality metrics to support project objectives.

Develop and issue supplier forecasts aligned with production schedules and project demand.

Identify and mitigate supply chain risks to prevent production disruptions.

Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and contractual obligations.

Work within ERP/MRP systems to track purchasing activity, inventory levels, and material status.

Partner with Quality, Engineering, Product, and Finance, to support program milestones, resolve non-conforming materials, and documentation issues.

Support continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives across procurement and planning processes.

• 5+ years of procurement experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong data analysis skills; proficiency with Sigma Computing, Power BI, Tableau, or similar BI tools, plus advanced Excel.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
• Experience working within ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience sourcing make-to-print components.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, operations, accounting, or another related field.
• APICS/ASCM CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent supply chain certification.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma); familiarity with quality systems (ISO 9001 or similar) a plus.
• Proficiency in a second language — Mandarin, Spanish, Thai — a plus
• Experience sourcing across both North American and overseas supply bases.
• A proven track record sourcing build-to-print components and mechanical assemblies (CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, mechanical/hydraulic assemblies, cable and harness assemblies, box builds).