Buyer III

Ascentec Engineering is hiring a Buyer III for our Tualatin, Oregon headquarters. This senior procurement professional will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing complex, high-value materials, equipment, and services. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, deep knowledge of supply chain and vendor management, and the ability to manage procurement projects independently. The Buyer III serves as a key liaison between internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure optimal cost, quality, and delivery performance. 

This position is onsite (not remote/not hybrid) and not eligible for Visa sponsorship. 

Core Responsibilities:

• Source, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery, and reliability. 
• Negotiate terms, pricing, and delivery schedules with suppliers to achieve the best overall value. 
• Manage complex procurement projects from RFQ/RFP development through contract execution. 
• Maintain and update purchase order records, pricing data, and supplier information in ERP systems. 
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve issues related to delivery, pricing, or quality. 
• Analyze market trends, pricing data, and supply chain risks to support strategic sourcing initiatives. 
• Work with production, scheduling, sales, customer service and design teams to determine the most optimal purchasing strategy for a given job/project. 
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities and process improvements. 
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior buyers and procurement staff. 
• Ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards in all procurement activities. 
• Ensure compliance with company policies, contracts, and relevant regulations. 
• Demonstrates Ascentec core values: Customer Focus, Employee Growth, Trust and Integrity, Operational Excellence, Acts like an owner.  
• Must understand and ensure adherence to regulatory and internal documentation standards (e.g., ISO, ITAR). 
• Performs other duties as assigned.  

Minimum Requirements:

Education/Certifications: 

• 4-year Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Supply Chain Management or related field 

Experience: 

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management 
• At least 5 years of experience in sourcing, negotiating, and managing vendor relationships  

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

• In-depth understanding of procurement processes, supply chain management, and the specific industry's needs and trends 
• Proven negotiation skills and experience managing supplier contracts 
• Familiarity with cost analysis techniques, contract law, budgeting, and relevant federal, state, and local purchasing regulations 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for effective negotiation, relationship building, and conveying complex information 
• Meticulous attention to detail for ensuring accuracy in purchase orders and maintaining quality control 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment 
• Proficiency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, material requirements planning (MRP), inventory management software, and highly proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, Outlook). 
• Team-oriented with a proactive and problem-solving mindset and identifying process misalignments. 

Core Competencies:

• Customer Focus
• Flexible with Ambiguity
• Functional and Technical Skills
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Task Prioritization Skills
• Concise & Clear Communicator
• Self-Motivated and Action Oriented

Working Environment:  

• Primarily office-based, with occasional visits to vendors or warehouse locations as required 
• Working hours may extend based on business need 

Mental/Physical Demands:  

• Continuous sitting at a desk and working on a computer 
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate office equipment and keyboards 
• Occasional lifting or carrying of light materials (e.g., product samples or documents) weighing up to 10-15 pounds 
• Visual acuity for reading documents, computer screens, and product specifications
• The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Compensation / Benefits:

• $60,000 to $90,000 per year DOE
•  Paid time off / Holiday pay
•  Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
•  Short- and long-term disability coverage
•  401(k) with matching funds
•  Profit sharing eligibility
•  Educational aid program availability

Applicant must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check prior to employment.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 

Ascentec Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Ascentec Engineering is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.