The Buyer/Purchasing Specialist is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and managing materials, components, and outside services that support aerospace and defense manufacturing operations. This position partners closely with engineering, quality, production, and suppliers to ensure material availability, cost competitiveness, quality compliance, and on-time delivery.
This position plays a critical role in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of materials to support the production of mission-critical aerospace and defense products. The successful candidate will contribute directly to operational excellence through effective supplier partnerships, strategic purchasing decisions, and continuous improvement of supply chain performance.
About Kit Pack LLC (Las Cruces, NM)
Kit Pack is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Aeromed Group. Kit Pack was founded in 1960 and provides a trusted procurement network for refurbishment of legacy military aircraft and helicopters. As a partner to the U.S. Department of Defense, Kit Packspecializes in upgrade kits and parts for iconic platforms, including the B-1, B-52, KC-135, F-16, and C-130. Its expertise also supports mission-critical systems ranging from vehicle overhauls to ammunition loading and gun turrets.
About Aeromed Group
Aeromed Group is a growing aerospace and defense supply chain solutions provider serving customers across commercial and military aviation. Our teams support mission-critical platforms by delivering specialized materials, legacy platform sustainment, and global logistics capabilities. With operations across multiple locations, Aeromed is focused on building a high-performance organization grounded in teamwork, trust, speed, and humility. We are committed to quality, continuous improvement, and supporting the long-term success of our employees and customers.
Key Responsibilities
- Procure raw materials, machined components, hardware, special processes, and services required to support production schedules.
- Prepare and issue Requests for Quote (RFQs) to qualified suppliers.
- Evaluate supplier quotations based on cost, lead time, quality, technical capability, and overall value.
- Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and purchase order terms with suppliers.
- Create, issue, and maintain purchase orders within the ERP/MRP system.
- Monitor supplier performance and proactively manage open purchase orders to ensure on-time delivery.
- Resolve supplier delivery, pricing, quality, and invoice discrepancies.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Program Management to support customer requirements and production priorities.
- Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, Bills of Material (BOMs), and technical documentation.
- Source alternate suppliers and identify opportunities for cost savings, lead-time reduction, and supply chain risk mitigation.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier files, and procurement documentation.
- Support inventory planning by balancing material availability with inventory investment.
- Participate in supplier evaluations, supplier development initiatives, and continuous improvement activities.
- Assist with government contract requirements and ensure procurement activities comply with applicable company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Support internal and external audits as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 3-5 years of purchasing or procurement experience in an aerospace, defense, aviation, or highly regulated manufacturing environment.
- Experience purchasing machined parts, hardware, raw materials, or aerospace components.
- Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
- Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
- Ability to read engineering drawings and technical specifications.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD), DLA, or government contracts.
- Familiarity with FAR/DFARS requirements.
- Knowledge of AS9100 quality management systems.
- Understanding of aerospace material specifications
- Experience with supplier performance metrics and continuous improvement initiatives.
Pay
$21.50-$26.00 - Negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for an incentive plan based on individual performance and company meeting defined targets.
Why Join Kit Pack
- Be part of a growing aerospace and defense supply chain organization
- Work in an AS9100-certified environment supporting mission-critical aerospace programs
- Opportunity to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence
Equal Opportunity Employer
Kit Pack LLC is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. At this time, we are not able to consider applicants that require sponsorship, now or in the future, for employment visa status
Pay: $21.50 - $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
