Title Buyer Department Supply Chain Reports to Director of Supply Chain SEE YOUR CAREER THROUGH A NEW LENS WITH RPO! RPO is a global leader in precision optics, optical components, and optical assemblies. We specialize in a full spectrum of products & services including – Design and Engineering, Systems Integration, Lens Assembly, Visible and Infrared Components, Glass and Plastic Molded Aspheres, and Thin Film Coating. As one of the fastest growing companies in the Rochester area, RPO offers exciting career paths to work on market-leading programs across a variety of industries. Position Overview: Reporting directly to the Director of Supply Chain, the Buyer is responsible for sourcing materials and services, negotiating favorable terms, and ensuring reliable supplier performance to support production and operational needs. This role manages day‑to‑day purchasing activities, drives cost improvements, and helps maintain a resilient supply base across key commodities such as optical glass, machined components, plastics, coating services, and select MRO/indirect items. Key Responsibilities: Negotiate pricing, lead times, and payment terms to meet cost, quality, and delivery objectives. Drive cost reductions through supplier negotiations, purchase price variance (PPV) improvements, and cost‑avoidance initiatives. Procure materials and services at the best total cost of ownership while maintaining continuity of supply. Independently quote materials, components, and project‑based purchases Track and improve supplier on‑time delivery and overall performance Identify and mitigate supply risks, material shortages, and capacity constraints Support inventory‑turn goals through disciplined purchasing practices and demand alignment Monitor, analyze, and report material variances to support accurate costing and financial visibility Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Finance, and Operations to resolve supply issues and support new product or process needs Identify, propose, and qualify new suppliers to improve cost, quality, or lead time Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, and defense‑related procurement requirements Required Skills & Qualifications: Associate’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred. 3+ years of direct purchasing experience, preferably within a precision manufacturing environment involving optical components, mechanical parts, or electro-mechanical assemblies. Experience with commodity purchasing, supplier management, and procuring materials or components to support manufacturing operations. Strong understanding of purchasing processes, including purchase order management, supplier communication, pricing, lead times, and material availability. Experience working with an ERP system; Epicor experience preferred. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Outgoing, approachable, and solutions-oriented personality, with a willingness to take initiative, solve problems, and follow through on commitments. Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain, to support production and business needs. Experience working in a defense, aerospace, or other regulated manufacturing environment preferred. Basic knowledge of accounting principles, including purchase orders, invoices, pricing, and cost management. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven manufacturing environment. Demonstrated ability to take ownership of purchasing activities, anticipate potential supply issues, and proactively communicate solutions to internal stakeholders and suppliers. Core Competencies: Results-Oriented: Motivated, hard-working and ready to level-up; Curious: You never stop learning and have an insatiable desire to gain…