Buyer at Firestorm in San Diego, CA

Job description

Buyer Who We Are At Firestorm, we’re on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors—regardless of their defense budget—through innovative, cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision “democratized deterrence.” As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we’re pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we’re pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost. Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement, making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost. About the Role We’re looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Buyer to join our growing team in San Diego. In this high-impact role, you’ll be responsible for sourcing critical components, managing Bills of Materials (BOMs), and ensuring timely material availability to support the development of next-generation hardware and integrated systems. This is a hands-on role where your attention to detail, ability to navigate complex supplier ecosystems, and proactive mindset will help mitigate risk, reduce costs, and keep mission-critical programs on track from prototype to full-rate production. You’ll interface regularly with internal teams, suppliers, and customers to ensure the seamless acquisition of materials and services that meet stringent quality and delivery standards. What You’ll Do Procurement Operations Execute full-cycle procurement: issue RFQs, evaluate suppliers, negotiate terms, place POs, manage delivery schedules, and resolve past-due items Place purchase orders and work with receiving, quality, and finance to resolve downstream issues Conduct price and cost analysis to inform acquisition strategies and contract negotiations Implement cost-saving initiatives and track procurement expenditures Compliance & Risk Management Source, negotiate, and procure goods and services in compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and internal policies Support the development and maintenance of a DCAA/DCMA-compliant procurement system Ensure adherence to supply chain risk management frameworks (e.g., NIST 800-171) Support internal and external audits, including DCAA/DCMA reviews Maintain accurate and audit-ready procurement documentation and records Supplier & Sourcing Strategy Support engineering and operations in identifying and qualifying the best suppliers Vet and onboard suppliers to meet DoD, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements Analyze supplier data to identify opportunities to expand or consolidate the Approved Supplier List Manage supplier performance for quality, cost, and delivery; escalate and mitigate risks as needed Conduct market research and benchmarking to ensure a best-in-class supply base Cross-Functional Collaboration Work on cross-functional projects to achieve cost, quality, and delivery targets Collaborate with engineering on BOM creation, revisions, and sourcing impact for change management Coordinate with inventory management and warehouse teams to maintain appropriate stock levels Coordinate with the operations, finance and warehouse teams, to resolve invoicing and reconciliation issues Help negotiate commercial terms and supplier agreements Contribute to procurement process improvements and implement procedural enhancements Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers across programs and departments Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering or a related field Minimum 3 years of supply chain or sourcing experience, in a manufacturing or technology environment, including technical procurement Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Deltek Costpoint, SAP, etc.) & and PLM systems (e.g., Arena)