Senior Buyer, Mechanical Systems

Karman Industries Gardena, CA Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Gardena, California, Karman Industries is at the forefront of revolutionizing industrial thermal energy. Our mission is to electrify global thermal systems across data centers, manufacturing, and energy industries. Karman is developing the revolutionary Heat Processing Unit (HPU) to reinvent thermal handling for giga-scale data centers & AI factories. The HPU is built around a supercritical CO2 chiller system utilizing a high-speed electrically driven turbomachinery core. Our system aims to reduce energy consumption in data center thermal management by greater than 25% and increase energy density by 10x. At Karman Industries, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. Our team is composed of passionate professionals dedicated to making a tangible impact on the future of industrial manufacturing. Join us in our mission to transform the industry and contribute to a more sustainable world. Senior Buyer, Mechanical Systems We are building the supply chain behind the HPU, and its mechanical hardware and fabricated assemblies are the long-lead items most likely to stop a build. You will own supply for mechanical systems end to end: category strategy, sourcing, supplier performance, and supply continuity for machined components, weldments, thermal equipment, mechanical assemblies, and structures. You will work directly with Engineering, Quality, and Production to turn drawings and build plans into on-time, on-cost deliveries, and to surface supply risk before it becomes a line-down. Key Responsibilities: Category strategy and sourcing Own the mechanical category strategy: supplier selection, dual- and second-source plans, consolidation, and long-term agreements Run RFQs and competitive bids from drawings and specs; compare total landed cost, lead time, tooling, and quality history, then recommend awards Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, and capacity commitments with fabricators, machine shops, foundries, and assembly vendors Drive cost-down through should-cost analysis, volume leverage, and design-to-cost input to Engineering; report savings against a baseline Mechanical sourcing and fabrication Source mechanical and thermal hardware, including fabricated assemblies, and their components Source precision machined parts (turning, multi-axis milling, grinding) in various alloys, including tight-tolerance components Source castings, forgings, bar stock, and plate; manage material certifications and traceability Source welded and fabricated components, piping, and weldments from shops qualified to applicable codes, such as ASME Source structural frames, skids, enclosures, and platforms, including required finishes and coatings Source piping, tubing, valves, fittings, hoses, seals, gaskets, and fasteners; manage approved manufacturers for pressure-rated components Coordinate special processes: heat treat, NDE, pressure and leak testing, and surface treatments Manage long-lead equipment suppliers, including capacity reservations, factory acceptance testing, and delivery to site Manage contract assembly vendors, including build-to-print assemblies, kitting, and subassembly integration Work with Engineering on performance, rating, and material requirements, and confirm supplier capability before award Supplier management and qualification Build and maintain the approved vendor list with Engineering and Quality Coordinate supplier qualification: first article inspection (AS9102 or equivalent), CMM inspection reports, weld procedure and welder qualifications, and process audits Run supplier scorecards covering on-time delivery, quality, and cost; lead quarterly business reviews, corrective actions, and improvement plans Planning, risk, and compliance Track open POs, expedite late deliveries, and escalate shortages with a recovery plan; give Production and Program teams accurate supply status each week Manage trad…

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