Purchasing Specialist
KongsbergKDA, Inc, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, has been operating in the United States for more than 20 years. We produce world-leading Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for the US Army, Marine Corps, and allies at our Johnstown, Pennsylvania factory. We have delivered more than 20,000 PROTECTOR RWS to 28 countries. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air System (NASAMS) is a highly mobile and tailorable capability that protects the airspace of 13 countries and Washington, DC. In 2027, we will do final assembly, test, and sustainment of the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile systems at a new factory in southern Virginia. Join us, and you’ll be part of a high performing team that develops advanced technology solutions to protect people and critical infrastructure in countries around the world. Explore your potential and discover what your future could be with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc., located in Johnstown, PA, is seeking a highly motivated Purchasing Specialist to play a critical role in supporting the production of advanced defense and aerospace technologies. In this position, you will be responsible for ensuring the timely availability of complex, critical materials required to support manufacturing operations while collaborating with suppliers to strengthen supply chain performance and continuity. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners, you will help drive procurement activities, support supplier negotiations, and contribute to the successful delivery of products that protect military personnel and critical infrastructure around the world. If you are a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys solving supply chain challenges, we invite you to join our team and help shape the future of innovative defense solutions. RESPONSIBILITIES: Operational Responsibilities : Utilize Enterprise Resource Planning system to identify Production material requirements; Interface with Production Manager and Planning Manager to identify material issues; and place Purchase Orders and expedite Production materials as well as Repair & Overhaul materials. Process requisitions for all indirect materials, including shop supplies, tooling, equipment, office supplies, work clothes, etc. Work with Return to Vendor Coordinator to process Material Non-conformances and Rejections, Coordinate return, and facilitate resolution to issues associated with defective or damaged materials. Assist with follow-up of Supplier Corrective Action Requests and Engineering Change Requests. Make periodic visits to suppliers' facilities to become familiar with equipment, personnel and capabilities, and assist them when problems arise; and identify and develop productivity and cost improvement strategies for suppliers. Administer routine Supplier Evaluations based on established metrics. Identify and assist in staff training and development initiatives. Assist in identifying & implementing business improvement initiatives related to the Procurement function at Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace. Assist in negotiations with the suppliers in accordance with Company and Government regulations. Apply Department of Defense (DOD)/US Government, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)/Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR) regulations to meet contract expectations for consistency, accuracy and compliance in purchase order documentation. Supply Chain Development Responsibilities: Participate in new supplier development initiatives. Support Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace’s Small Business contracting requirements. Prepare & send Requests for Quotation in collaboration with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace’s Procurement Department. Review engineering drawings and specifications with new and prospective vendors. Participate in Evaluation of quotation packages and Suppliers, including risk assessment, capacity analysis and quality controls through…