Job Title: Buyer II Job Description The Buyer II is responsible for placing and managing all purchase orders that support engineering R&D through production ramp, securing a reliable supply of thousands of parts used to build launch vehicles, satellite systems, and related components. This role focuses on procuring consumables, tools, capital expenditures, IT, and services while ensuring that cost, quality, and delivery goals are consistently met. The Buyer II acts as a key link between suppliers, engineering, and material planning teams, making daily decisions that directly impact operational success. Responsibilities + Source materials and services by thoroughly evaluating vendor capability, pricing, delivery performance, and overall vendor reliability. + Ensure on-time delivery of materials and services to meet production and operational requirements. + Own and manage the business relationship with assigned suppliers, serving as the primary point of contact for all commercial matters. + Manage the RFQ (Request for Quotation) process to secure competitive bids and ensure best-value pricing for goods and services. + Negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers to meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements. + Integrate closely with Engineering teams to understand and fulfill procurement requirements, acting as the primary point of contact for R&D order status. + Provide timely and accurate status updates to material planners on purchase orders and expected delivery dates. + Maintain accurate and up-to-date purchase order data within the ERP system and related tools. + Support the sourcing, onboarding, and qualification of new suppliers as needed to meet evolving business needs. + Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, and planning, to resolve supply issues and support production ramps. Essential Skills + At least 2+ years of purchasing and supply chain experience, ideally in a manufacturing or engineering-driven environment. + Proven ability to source, onboard, and negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers. + Strong knowledge of purchasing processes and procurement best practices. + Advanced Excel skills for data analysis, reporting, and cost comparison. + Hands-on experience working with ERP systems to manage purchase orders and supplier data. + Completed bachelor’s degree. + Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time. + Collaborative, team-first mindset with strong interpersonal and communication skills. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Management, or a related field. + Experience as a Buyer, Manufacturing Engineer, or in a closely related role. + Demonstrated ability to work closely with engineering and technical teams to understand requirements and translate them into effective procurement actions. + Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. + Analytical mindset with the ability to evaluate supplier performance, pricing, and total cost of ownership. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middle River, MD. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $40.86/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Middle River,MD. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026. About Aston Carter: Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.